First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1tack
verb \ˈtak\
: 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
Full Definition of TACK
transitive verb
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
— tack·er noun
See tack defined for English-language learners
See tack defined for kids
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Origin of TACK
Middle English takken, from tak
2tack
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 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
First Known Use: 1574
3tack
noun
4tack
noun
Definition of TACK
: stable gear; especially : articles of harness (as saddle and bridle) for use on a saddle horse
Origin of TACK
perhaps short for tackle
First Known Use: 1924
TACKER Defined for Kids
1tack
noun \ˈtak\
Definition of TACK for Kids
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
2tack
verb
tackedtack·ing
Definition of TACK for Kids
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
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