Jump To:

• tactic
  tactic

  noun

  tactics.
• -tactic
  -tactic

  combining form

  having a specified kind of pattern or arrangement or having an orientation determined by a specified force

tactic

American  

[tak-tik] / ˈtæk tɪk /

noun

• tactics
  plural

1. tactics.

2. a system or a detail of tactics.

3. a plan, procedure, or expedient for promoting a desired end or result.

---

adjective

1. of or relating to arrangement or order; tactical.

-tactic ¹ British  

combining form

1. having a specified kind of pattern or arrangement or having an orientation determined by a specified force

   syndiotactic

   phototactic

---

tactic ² British  

/ ˈtæktɪk /

noun

1. a piece of tactics; tactical move See also tactics

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nontactic
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• tactics
  plural

Etymology

Origin of tactic

First recorded in 1560–70; New Latin tacticus, from Greek taktikós “fit for arranging or ordering,” from tak-, base of tássein ( Attic táttein ) “to arrange, put in order” + -tikos -tic

Explanation

Tactic is another word for a maneuver or method. If begging doesn't convince your parents to raise your allowance, you might want to try a different tactic—like doing all your chores without being asked. English-speakers have been talking about tactics since at least 1640, when this word was first recorded. A tactic is just a way to do something, a plan, or an approach. Generals have to have a good grasp on military tactics to win a battle; football teams have to use strong defensive tactics to keep the other guys from scoring. One time-tested tactic for winning over a teacher? Always turn your homework in on time!

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tactic tactics

Captaining from mid-off was a tactic used by Root's predecessor Stokes and former skipper Michael Vaughan – another influential figure in Root's career, having come through the same Sheffield club.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

Bibilocide—attacks on the written word—was a tactic of Nazi Germany, the Khmer Rouge and ISIS.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026

Bourdon said he had warned the company against using a similar "illegal" tactic this weekend.

From Barron's ● Aug. 15, 2026

Citizens can petition leaders to avoid or drop contracts, a tactic that has been working across the country.

From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2026

In January 1919, with public sentiment now stronger than ever in support of women’s right to the ballot, the NWP stepped up the pressure by introducing a new tactic it named “Watchfires of Freedom.”

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

By analysing Spurs' tactics in pre-season, recent transfer market dealings make more sense.

From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2026

"Farming" refers to repetitive tactics used to gain points in video games.

From Barron's ● Aug. 22, 2026

Few, perhaps, would have employed the same tactics Cohen used.

From Salon ● Aug. 21, 2026

These tactics are often employed by transnational criminal groups that consist primarily of Mexican citizens from Sinaloa state, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent said in affidavits filed in federal court last year.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026

Specific tactics included motorcades, parades, banners, billboards, transcontinental automobile trips, and speaking tours—all designed to educate the public about why women deserved the vote.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• ploy