hashtag

American  

[hash-tag] / ˈhæʃˌtæg /

noun

1. (on social media websites)

   1. a word or phrase preceded by a hash mark (#), used within a message to identify a keyword or topic of interest and facilitate a search for it.

      The hashtag #sandiegofire was used to help coordinate an emergency response to the fire.

   2. a hash mark used in this way.

2. 1. a word or phrase preceded by a hash mark (#) or by the word hashtag , used to add wit or emphasis to a spoken or written statement.

   2. a hash mark or the word hashtag used in this way, as in the sentence His goodbye was so hashtag awkward.

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verb (used with or without object)

hashtagged, hashtagging

1. to add a hashtag to (a word, topic, or message).

   Someone on Twitter just hashtagged the film festival.

hashtag British  

/ ˈhæʃˌtæɡ /

noun

1. (on the Twitter website) a word or phrase preceded by a hash mark, used to denote the topic of a post

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Usage

What does hashtag mean? A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by a hash mark (#), also known as a pound sign, used primarily on social media.On social media, hashtags provide users a way to search for posts related to the word or phrase in the hashtag. You can click on a hashtag to see a list of recent posts that include that keyword. (A couple of our favorites are #WordOfTheDay and #WordNerd.)To hashtag means to add a hashtag to a word, topic, or message, as in We hashtag our posts about history with #HistoryMatters so you can find them easily.Example: Use the hashtag #petthedog with a video of you petting your dog for a chance to win our contest.

Etymology

Origin of hashtag

First recorded in 2005–10; hash (mark) + tag ¹ (in the sense “a label or keyword”)

Example Sentences

Before it was opened on 29 November, Mayor Andrea Biancani posted a doctored image of Pavarotti's statue playing ice hockey with the hashtag #DaiUnCinqueAPavarotti, which translates to "Give a high-five to Pavarotti".

From BBC

She said: "I've been tagging everybody, like 'hashtag John Lewis your ad is nothing on this'".

From BBC

Beauty, appliance maker Ninja and BMW had “ghosted” them too, sometimes but not always adding a hashtag or note indicating that their videos were satire to avoid confusion or potential legal trouble.

From The Wall Street Journal

Taking to social media in a coordinated movement with Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, she asked followers to take a black and white photo holding their finger to their lips with the hashtag BreakTheSilence.

From BBC

"Today's lunch is sushi and miso soup," a message posted with the photo said, along with the hashtag #Yellowtail from Kagoshima and scallops from Hokkaido.

From Barron's