tack

play

verb \ ˈtak \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of tack

transitive verb

1 :attach; especially :to fasten or affix with tacks

2 :to join in a slight or hasty manner

3 a :to add as a supplement

b :to add (a rider) to a parliamentary bill

4 :to change the direction of (a sailing ship) when sailing close-hauled by turning the bow to the wind and shifting the sails so as to fall off on the other side at about the same angle as before

intransitive verb

1 a :to tack a sailing ship

b of a ship :to change to an opposite tack by turning the bow to the wind

c :to follow a course against the wind by a series of tacks

2 a :to follow a zigzag course

b :to modify one's policy or attitude abruptly

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tacker

noun

See tack defined for English-language learners

See tack defined for kids

Examples of tack in a Sentence

She tacked a poster on the wall.
A message was tacked to the board.
We had to tack repeatedly as we sailed toward the harbor.

Origin and Etymology of tack

Middle English takken, from tak

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

tack

noun

Definition of tack

1 :a small short sharp-pointed nail usually having a broad flat head

2 a :the direction of a ship with respect to the trim of her sails

starboard tack

b :the run of a sailing ship on one tack

c :a change when close-hauled from the starboard to the port tack or vice versa

d :a zigzag movement on land

e :a course or method of action; especially :one sharply divergent from that previously followed

3 :any of various usually temporary stitches

4 :the lower forward corner of a fore-and-aft sail

5 :a sticky or adhesive quality or condition

Origin and Etymology of tack

Middle English tak fastener, rope tying down the windward corner of a sail, from Middle French (Norman dialect) taque; akin to Middle Dutch tac sharp point

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1574

See Words from the same year

tack

noun

Definition of tack

:stable gear; especially :articles of harness (such as saddle and bridle) for use on a saddle horse

Origin and Etymology of tack

perhaps short for tackle

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1924

See Words from the same year

tack

noun

Definition of tack

:hardtack 1

Origin and Etymology of tack

origin unknown

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1841

See Words from the same year

Other Equestrian Terms

canter, cantle, curry, farrier, hunter, paddock, router, skirt

TACK Defined for English Language Learners

tack

play

verb

Definition of tack for English Language Learners

: to fasten or attach (something) with tacks
: to add on or attach (something) in a quick or careless way
sailing : to turn a ship or boat so that the wind is coming at it from the opposite side

TACK Defined for Kids

tack

play

noun \ ˈtak \

Definition of tack for Students

1 :a small nail with a sharp point and usually a broad flat head

2 :the direction a ship is sailing as shown by the position the sails are set in

3 :a course or method of action

Since I wasn't getting any answers, I decided to try a different tack.

4 :a temporary stitch used in sewing

tack

verb

Definition of tack for Students

tacked; tacking

1 :to fasten with tacks

2 :to attach or join loosely or quickly

At the end of the report, she tacked on her own complaints.

3 :to change from one course to another in sailing

4 :to follow a zigzag course

Law Dictionary

tack

transitive verb

legal Definition of tack

:to combine (a use, possession, or period of time) with that of another especially in order to satisfy the statutory time period for acquiring title to or a prescriptive easement in the property of a third party