Definition

A person or thing that fits between two categories or roles, often used in sports or computing contexts.

Example

The coach decided to use him as a tweener because he could play both forward and guard positions effectively.

Conversation

Did you see that player in the game last night?

Yeah, he’s such a tweener; he plays both forward and guard.

Right? It's like he can't decide which position suits him best.

Exactly! It makes him really versatile, though.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'tweener' is derived from 'tween' (a colloquial contraction of 'between', meaning in the middle) and the suffix '-er' (meaning a person who). A 'tweener' refers to a person or thing that is in between two categories or stages.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'in between' ('tween') two different ages or stages, and the '-er' indicates that this person is defined by that position.

Visually Confused Words