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tack

[ ˈtak]

tack

noun

[ˈtak]

tack

verb

[ˈtak]

tacked; tacking; tacks

Definition of tack

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : attach
//tack on some sequins for pizzazz
especially : to fasten or affix with tacks
//tack a notice to a pole tacking down a stairway carpet

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

intransitive verb

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

Other Words from tack

Verb

tacker noun

First Known Use of tack

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1924, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1841, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for tack

Verb

Middle English takken, from tak

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

perhaps short for tackle

Noun (3)

origin unknown

Dictionary Entries near tack

Phrases Related to tack

get down to brass tacks

More Synonyms and Antonyms oftack

Synonyms of tack

the means or procedure for doing something

this clearly isn't working, so let's take a different tack in trying to solve the problem

Synonyms for tack

Words Related to tack

policy

More Definitions fortack

tack

verb

English Language Learners Definition of tack

: 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

tack

noun

\ ˈtak \

Kids Definition of tack

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

tack

verb

tacked; tacking

Kids Definition of tack (Entry 2 of 2)

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

tack

transitive verb

Legal Definition of tack

: to combine (a use, possession, or period of time) with that of another especially in order to satisfy the statutory time period for acquiring title to or a prescriptive easement in the property of a third party
//successive adverse users in privity with prior adverse users can tack successive adverse possessions of land — Hall v. Kerlee, 461 S.E.2d 911 (1995)