Thumbtack: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in North American English, it refers to a small pin used to attach papers or notes to a board or wall.

• She used a thumbtack to pin the map on the bulletin board.
• I need a few thumbtacks to hold these papers in place.

Often interchangeable with 'thumbtack,' it can be used in both North American and general English. It refers to a short pin with a broad, flat head.

• Use a push pin to secure the poster on the corkboard.
• The push pin fell out of the board, and the paper dropped.

Primarily used in British English, it describes a small, flat-headed pin used to fix papers or notes to a surface.

• He stuck the notice on the wall with a drawing pin.
• Can you pass me a drawing pin? I need to attach this document.

A more general term that can refer to any small, sharp pin used to affix objects. It might also imply a slightly more aggressive or impromptu use.

• He grabbed a tack to quickly fasten the flyer to the wall.
• These tacks should hold the fabric in place temporarily.