hashtag

American  

[hash-tag] / ˈhæʃˌtæg /

noun

hashtags plural

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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• hashtags
  plural

Etymology

Origin of hashtag

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

Explanation

A hashtag is a keyword or phrase that's used on social media. By searching for a certain hashtag, you can easily find the cute cat content you're looking for. To create a hashtag, type # (which is variously called the "number sign," "pound sign," or "hash") followed by a word. You might post about a successful pie-baking experiment and use the hashtags #pie, #sourcherrypie, and #baking. And if you're looking for content about capybaras, just click on #capybara and you'll see a list of every photo or post with that hashtag. The very first hashtags appeared on Twitter in 2007, and they quickly spread across all social media.

Example Sentences

Other lunch options for downtown busy bees: FOB Sushi Bar opens in Belltown and Hashtag Waffles sits across the street from Pike Place Market.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 24, 2024

Someone who's saved penalties from Premier League stars - and been "nutmegged" by them too - is former Hashtag United and Soccer AM goalkeeper, Jacko.

From BBC • May 27, 2023

Someone came in from the office one day and said, "Hashtag struggle meals" is trending.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2023

Hashtag break the rules, and the hashtag dare me challenge.

From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2023

“And it isn’t just guys who fear the cops, and families with boys. There’s a whole movement for the girls too. Hashtag SayHerName. It’s big. This is about everyone who fears cops.”

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds