target

Everyday

1. A target is a thing you aim at and try to hit, like the circle in archery or darts. tree →
2. A goal or result you try to reach: a target of 20 books. tree →
3. A person or thing that is attacked or criticised. tree →
4. (verb) To target is to aim at or choose someone or something for an action. tree →

In the lessons

Used at school: reading targets, learning targets ("My target is to use capital letters"). In PE: throwing at a target. In maths: target numbers in games ("make the target number 24"). In safety: scammers target older people and children online. Phrases: "on target", "hit the target", "miss the target".

Examples

• She hit the middle of the target. tree →
• My target is to read 20 books this year. tree →
• Throw the beanbag at the target. tree →
• We are on target to finish by lunch. tree →
• Use the four numbers to make the target number. tree →
• Scammers target people who are online a lot. tree →
• The advert targets children. tree →
• The shooters were thronging round the target, and Rudy was soon amongst them. tree →

Note

Pronounced "TAR-git". Verb forms: targeted, targeting (one t in standard spelling). Countable noun.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means a large shield, not something to aim at.

Interpretation. Tradition sees Solomon's gold shields as a sign of his wealth, which was later lost.

Examples

• And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target. (Prophets 1KI.10.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one target; (Writings 2CH.9.15, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Pronounced "TAR-git". Verb forms: targeted, targeting (one t in standard spelling). Countable noun.