tack

Language: en

🇬🇧 /ˈtæk/ 🇺🇸 /ˈtæk/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    A short, sharp-pointed nail or pin, typically with a flat head, used for fastening things to a surface.; A course of action or approach, especially one that differs from a previous one.; The direction of a sailing vessel relative to the wind, or a leg of a zigzag course sailed close-hauled.; A long, loose temporary stitch used in sewing to hold fabric in place before permanent stitching.; The equipment and accessories used in horse riding, such as saddles, bridles, and reins.; The stickiness or adhesive quality of a substance, especially of a printing ink or glue.
  2. verb
    To fasten or attach something with tacks or small nails.; To change the direction of a sailing vessel by turning the bow through the wind.; To add something as an extra item or appendage, often in a hasty or informal manner.; To sew with long, loose temporary stitches.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: tacks 3rd sing.: tacks Past: tacked Past part.: tacked Pres part.: tacking

Collocations

change tacktack onsharp as a tackon the wrong tacktack downtack uptry a different tack

Derivatives

tackytackinesstackertackless

Synonyms

nailpinstudapproachstrategycoursefastenattach

Commonly confused

tact
EN: 'Tact' means diplomacy and sensitivity in dealing with others; 'tack' is a small nail or a course of action.
tacky
EN: 'Tacky' means showing poor taste or cheap quality; it is not simply the adjective form of 'tack' as a nail.
tack" vs "tack on
EN: 'Tack on' is a phrasal verb meaning to add something (often carelessly), distinct from the sailing or fastening senses.

Spelling tips

EN: Do not confuse 'tack' (a nail or approach) with 'tact' (diplomacy). Also note that 'tacky' (showing poor taste) is unrelated in meaning to 'tack' as a fastener.

💬 Examples

  1. She used a tack to pin the notice to the bulletin board.

  2. The company decided to try a different tack to increase sales.

  3. The yacht changed tack to catch the shifting wind.

  4. She put a few tacks in the hem before sewing it properly.

  5. The stable had a room full of leather tack hanging on the walls.

  6. The printer adjusted the tack of the ink to prevent smearing.

  7. He tacked the carpet down to the floor.

  8. The skipper tacked sharply to avoid the rocky shoal.

  9. The government tacked on a new clause to the bill at the last minute.

  10. She tacked the lining to the coat before the final fitting.