What does thumbtack mean?
A thumbtack is a small fastening pin with a broad, usually flat head that can be pressed into a wall, corkboard, or other firm surface. It is commonly used to hold papers, notes, photographs, maps, and other lightweight materials in place. The pin’s pointed end pierces the material, while the wide head remains visible and makes the pin easy to insert and remove with a thumb. In North American English, “thumbtack” is the usual name for this object; British English more often uses the two-word form “thumb tack” or the term “pushpin.” Although the word can refer to any such pin, it especially suggests one with a small metal head and a short point. The term is informal and domestic in many contexts, but it is also normal in educational, office, workshop, and public-notice settings. Its name directly describes its distinctive feature and method of use.
nounA small pin with a broad, usually flat head, used to fasten papers or other lightweight objects to a surface.
- A small metal pin with a broad, flat head, pressed into a wall, board, or other surface to hold paper or a lightweight object in place.
"She used a thumbtack to attach the note to the corkboard."
"The map was held in place with a thumbtack above the desk."
"A thumbtack was embedded in the noticeboard, pinning up the event schedule."
The regular plural adds “-s”; the British two-word spelling normally becomes “thumb tacks.”
"She scattered a handful of thumbtacks across the desk."
A thumbtack is a tiny nail with a clever ergonomic upgrade: its broad head provides a handle for the thumb.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does thumbtack come from?
“Thumbtack” is an English compound formed from “thumb” and “tack,” with the sense developed from a small fastening pin. The compound became established in the late nineteenth century, when small headed pins were increasingly used for fastening papers and lightweight materials. The “tack” element belongs to the older vocabulary of nails, pins, and small fasteners, while “thumb” refers to the broad head that allows the pin to be pressed into place by hand.
How thumbtack is actually used
The closed form “thumbtack” is standard in North American English. British English more often uses “thumb tack” as two words and may prefer “pushpin” for the object. The term is neutral and everyday, without a strong positive or negative connotation.
Easily confused with thumbtack
A pushpin is generally a plastic fastener with a sharp point and a plastic head, whereas a thumbtack usually has a metal head.
A tack is a broader term for a small fastening pin, while a thumbtack specifically has a broad head designed to be pressed with a thumb.