Illustration of tackle
- tackle 2b
1
: a set of the equipment used in a particular activity : gear
fishing tackle
2
a
: a ship's rigging
b
: an assemblage of ropes and pulleys arranged to gain mechanical advantage for hoisting and pulling
3
a
: the act or an instance of tackling
b(1)
: either of two offensive football players positioned on each side of the center and between guard and end
(2)
: either of two football players positioned on the inside of a defensive line
tackled; tackling
ˈta-k(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to seize, take hold of, or grapple with especially with the intention of stopping or subduing
b
: to seize and throw down or stop (an opposing player with the ball) in football
2
: to set about dealing with
tackle the problem
3
: to attach or secure with or as if with tackle
: to tackle an opposing player in football
Synonyms of tackle
Examples of tackle in a Sentence
Noun
a box for fishing tackle
He made two tackles in the first half.
Verb
The police officer tackled him as he tried to escape.
He was tackled at the line of scrimmage.
I'll tackle my homework later.
We found new ways to tackle the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Nuno had criticised his side’s lack of bite last month, and while Potts does not shy away from the physical side — winning the most duels (seven) in the game, despite being substituted after 62 minutes with a dead leg — his anticipation usually removes the need for tackles in the first place.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 16 Nov. 2025
Determining whether this practice is appropriate is a tough one to tackle—even for the pros.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tackle
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
But after flipping a first-round pick in 2027, a second-round pick in 2026 and defensive tackle Mazi Smith to the New York Jets for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, Clark's future in Dallas faces legitimate questions.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Nuno had criticised his side’s lack of bite last month, and while Potts does not shy away from the physical side — winning the most duels (seven) in the game, despite being substituted after 62 minutes with a dead leg — his anticipation usually removes the need for tackles in the first place.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
Our approach balances strategic vision with day-to-day blocking and tackling, ensuring the food hall thrives as both a business and a destination.
—Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 16 Nov. 2025
Determining whether this practice is appropriate is a tough one to tackle—even for the pros.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tackle
Cite this Entry
“Tackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tackle. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
1
: a set of special equipment : gear
fishing tackle
2
: an arrangement of ropes and wheels for hoisting or pulling something heavy
3
a
: the act or an instance of tackling
b
: a football player who is positioned on the line of scrimmage and inside the ends
tackle
2 of 2 verb
tackled; tackling
ˈtak-(ə-)liŋ
1
: to seize or take hold of especially in order to stop or throw down
2
: to set about dealing with
tackle a problem
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