Tar/tɑːr/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Not Always Literal The word 'tar' can be used metaphorically to suggest something negative or unwanted is hard to remove. His reputation was tarred by the scandal. Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation 'Tar' often carries a negative tone, implying messiness or damage. The pristine beach was marred with blobs of tar. Pro Tip 3/3Industrial Use In modern times, 'tar' is commonly associated with road construction and maintenance. Workers laid down tar to seal the cracks in the highway.