tactic

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noun tac·tic \ˈtak-tik\

Definition of tactic

1 : a device for accomplishing an end
2 : a method of employing forces in combat

See tactic defined for English-language learners

See tactic defined for kids

Examples of tactic in a Sentence

an effective tactic for solving crimes
We may need to change tactics.
a specialist in naval tactics

Recent Examples of tactic from the Web

RED BANK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey environmental group that has had success re-establishing oyster colonies in struggling waterways is trying a new tactic in two rivers at the Jersey shore: checking the water to see if oysters are already there.

— wayne parry, The Seattle Times, "‘Oyster wranglers’ scout rivers for signs of shellfish life", 4 July 2017
As The Washington Post has noted, users took credit when Reddit tweaked its algorithm last year, trying to stop subgroups from mass-voting their posts onto the site's front page — a favorite tactic on r/The_Donald.

— avi selk, chicagotribune.com, "A Reddit user who wrote about stabbing Muslims is claiming credit for Trump's CNN video", 2 July 2017
But one tactic to rein in North Korea that the Trump administration has clearly settled on is increasing pressure on China.

— adam k. raymond, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump: ‘Patience Is Over’ With ‘Reckless and Brutal’ North Korea", 30 June 2017
But sometimes not even these types of tactics are enough to quell racial bias.

— olga khazan, The Atlantic, "Highlights From the 2017 Aspen Ideas Festival", 25 June 2017
That kind of approach is relatively new and places less blame on poor people than previous tactics for addressing poverty, Reno-Weber said.

— morgan watkins, The Courier-Journal, "Two kids, broke and on her own, mom finds Pathway of Hope for family", 22 June 2017
Democrats will begin using parliamentary tactics to disrupt Senate proceedings as part of an effort to push back against Republicans’ secrecy in drafting a new health-care proposal.

— elaine godfrey, The Atlantic, "The Atlantic Politics & Policy Daily: Slow Jam the Senate", 19 June 2017
The district is researching options for aerial spraying of larvacide, a tactic never before used in Ada County, according to the release.

— kristin rodine, idahostatesman, "‘Unprecedented’ mosquito boom adds new layer to Ada County flood emergency", 13 June 2017
There are multiple tactics police can try to stop a suspect, but one of the first options police tend to turn to are stop strips, Ferrandino said.

— Post-Tribune, "Police policies guide officers' choices in chasing suspects", 2 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tactic'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of tactic

New Latin tactica, from Greek taktikē, from feminine of taktikos

NEW!

First Known Use: 1640

See Words from the same year

tactic

adjective tac·tic

Definition of tactic

: of or relating to arrangement or order

Origin and Etymology of tactic

New Latin tacticus, from Greek taktikos

NEW!

First Known Use: 1871

See Words from the same year

-tactic

adjective combining form tac·tic

Definition of -tactic

1 : of, relating to, or having (such) an arrangement or pattern paratactic
2 : showing orientation or movement directed by a (specified) force or agent geotactic

Origin and Etymology of -tactic

Greek taktikos

TACTIC Defined for English Language Learners

tactic

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noun

Definition of tactic for English Language Learners

: an action or method that is planned and used to achieve a particular goal
tactics : the activity or skill of organizing and moving soldiers and equipment in a military battle

TACTIC Defined for Kids

tactic

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noun tac·tic \ˈtak-tik\

Definition of tactic for Students

: a planned action for some purpose “All that kid does is cry and he gets his way.” … “If I tried that tactic, my parents would just say, ‘Grow up.’ …” — Pam Zollman, Don't Bug Me!