thumbtack

American  

[thuhm-tak] / ˈθʌmˌtæk /

noun

1. a tack with a large, flat head, designed to be thrust into a board or other fairly soft object or surface by the pressure of the thumb.

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verb (used with object)

1. to attach or tack by means of a thumbtack.

thumbtack British  

/ ˈθʌmˌtæk /

noun

1. Also called (esp in Britain): drawing pin.  a short tack with a broad smooth head for fastening papers to a drawing board, etc

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Etymology

Origin of thumbtack

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; thumb + tack ¹

Compare meaning

How does thumbtack compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• thumbtack vs. pushpin

Example Sentences

He pulled a white thumbtack from his pocket and stuck it in the white paint of the sign.

From Literature

You’ll also need scissors, white paper, tape, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack.

From New York Times

The methyl group acts like a tiny thumbtack set out on the seat the antibiotic was hoping to take, Polikanov said.

From Los Angeles Times

Broadcaster TVE showed a thumbtack that its reporter on a motorbike found on the course.

From Washington Times

It’s as visually pulse-pounding as thumbtacks on a driveway, and an invitation to close one’s eyes and concentrate on the A.S.M.R. pleasure of shuddering steel.

From New York Times