tacked; tacking; tacks
Definition of tack
(Entry 1 of 4)
2
: to join or add in a slight or hasty manner
—usually used with on or onto … the upbeat ending, tacked on to a book that cries out for a tragic one.— Julian Symons
3a
: to add as a supplement or something extra
—usually used with on or onto tacked fees onto the priceThe Marlins tacked on five runs in the bottom of the eighth …— Buster Olney
b
: to add (a rider) to a parliamentary bill
provisions tacked to an appropriation 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
1a
: to tack a sailing ship
We tacked repeatedly as we sailed toward the harbor.
b
of a ship
: to change to an opposite tack by turning the bow to the wind
a ship that tacks easily
c
: to follow a course against the wind by a series of tacks
Boredom was the chief enemy as the ships tacked to and fro.— Nigel Calder
2a
: to follow a zigzag course
tacked through the crowd
b
: to modify one's policy or attitude abruptly
With the coming of Ronald Reagan to power, Nixon tacked hard right—an old instinct.— Sidney Blumenthal
tack
noun (1)Definition of tack (Entry 2 of 4)
1
: a small short sharp-pointed nail usually having a broad flat head
2a
: 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
tack
noun (2)Definition of tack (Entry 3 of 4)
: stable gear
especially
: articles of harness (such as saddle and bridle) for use on a saddle horse
tack
noun (3)Definition of tack (Entry 4 of 4)
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share tack
Time Traveler for tack
The first known use of tack was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century