Tack: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually refers to a small, sharp nail with a flat, broad head, often used for securing fabric or paper.

• She used a tack to pin the fabric to the wall.
• We need a tack to keep this poster in place.

A general term for a thin, pointed piece of metal with a flat head, used to join materials together, commonly wood.

• He hammered a nail into the wall to hang the picture frame.
• Make sure the nails are long enough to hold the boards securely.

A small, thin piece of metal with a sharp point and a rounded head, used for fastening or holding things together temporarily.

• She used a pin to hold the hem of her dress in place while sewing.
• The notice was held to the board with a pin.

A type of thin nail, often without a head, used in carpentry, especially for securing wood trim.

• The carpenter used brads to attach the trim to the wall.
• Brad nails are ideal for delicate woodworking projects.

Used primarily in sailing to describe the act of changing direction by turning the bow of the boat through the wind. It can also refer to a sharp change in tactics or approach in conversation or strategy.

• We need to tack to catch the wind properly.
• She decided to tack and approach the negotiation from a different angle.

A general term used in various contexts to indicate any shift in direction or focus, whether literal or metaphorical.

• At the crossroads, they changed direction and headed north.
• After the initial failures, the company changed direction and focused on sustainability.

Used generally in navigation or planning to describe making a change to the planned route or direction to avoid obstacles or to reach a different destination.

• The captain decided to alter course to avoid the storm.
• The project's setbacks forced us to alter course to meet deadlines.

Describes the action of moving in a pattern of sharp turns alternately left and right. Often used to describe physical movements but can also be applied metaphorically.

• The skier zigzagged down the slope.
• His thinking zigzagged through a maze of ideas before he came to a decision.