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
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
Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
The Giants continue to put a ton of Carter’s plate, lining up the rookie at outside linebacker, inside linebacker and defensive tackle.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Sac State safety Koa Akui said his team has to get back to the basics of fundamentals, including tackling, and that the team’s goal still remain, including competing for the Big Sky crown.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tackle
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Noun
In his 61 games over six seasons, Diggs has accounted for 20 interceptions, 63 pass breakups and 222 tackles.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
The Giants continue to put a ton of Carter’s plate, lining up the rookie at outside linebacker, inside linebacker and defensive tackle.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
Today, host Ashley Haas tackles the latest NFL betting news and previews Sunday's games with actor Kamil McFadden.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
Sac State safety Koa Akui said his team has to get back to the basics of fundamentals, including tackling, and that the team’s goal still remain, including competing for the Big Sky crown.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 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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