What does tack mean?
Tack is a versatile word best known for a small pin or nail with a broad, flat head, used to hold papers, notices, or lightweight materials in place. As a verb, it means to fasten something with such a pin, as in “she tacked the sign to the wall.” The expression “tack on” also means to add or attach something quickly, casually, or without much attention to neatness. In sailing, tack has a different but established meaning: it refers to a course or movement made across the wind, so a vessel may sail on one tack and then change to the opposite tack. The word is therefore both literal and figurative, describing either a modest fastening, a hurried addition, or a nautical maneuver. Its usefulness lies in this range of meanings: the same simple word can describe a tiny pin, the act of attaching something, or a broad turn on the water.
A small, sharp-pointed pin or nail with a broad, flat head, used as a fastener. In sailing, a tack is also a course or movement made obliquely to the wind.
"He pressed another tack into the noticeboard."
To fasten or attach something with a tack; informally, to add or attach something briefly or casually. In sailing, to tack is to move across the wind on a zigzag course.
"She tacked the flyer to the wall before leaving."
Use “tacks” for multiple fastening pins or nails.
"The workshop drawer was full of loose tacks."
A tack can be a tiny pin or a sweeping turn across the water—the same word doing very different jobs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tack
The history of tack is not completely transparent, but the word is recorded in Middle English in forms such as takke and tacke, meaning a small pin or peg. The verb meaning “to fasten with a tack” developed from that older noun. The nautical meaning belongs to the word's longer-established maritime vocabulary and refers to sailing obliquely to the wind.
Related word forms
How tack is actually used
As a verb, “tack on” often suggests adding something quickly or without much care, and is generally informal. The nautical senses are more specialized and are common in sailing terminology. In general use, a tack is a light or temporary fastening, while a nail is typically a stronger, more permanent fastener.
Easily confused with tack
Tack is a fastening pin or a verb meaning to fasten, whereas tact is the ability to handle people and situations sensitively.