How to pronounce

tarot

American Pronunciation: /ˈtæroʊ/
- Breakdown: TAIR-oh (silent 't' at the end)
British Pronunciation: /ˈtærəʊ/
- Breakdown: TAR-oh (silent 't' at the end)

Both pronunciations emphasize the first syllable and have a silent "t" at the end, which is a common mistake to avoid; it's not pronounced "tarot-t."

Definition of

tarot

The word "tarot" is a noun that refers to a set of playing cards, typically numbering 78, used for fortune-telling and divination. It can also be used to describe the practice of using these cards for such purposes. Examples: - "I had my tarot cards read last night and it was quite an enlightening experience." (referring to the physical cards) - "Tarot has been around for centuries and is still a widely practiced form of divination." (referring to the practice)

What does it mean

tarot

The origin of the word "tarot" is somewhat uncertain. It is thought to be derived from the Italian word "tarocchi," used to describe the cards in Italy. The term "tarocchi" itself might have been derived from the Taro River in northern Italy or from an Arabic word, although these origins are speculative. The game was introduced into Europe via the Islamic world, where card playing was already a popular pastime. Over time, tarot cards evolved from their gaming function to their use in divination, reflecting broader trends in European culture towards the mystical and esoteric.