thumbtack

[thuhm-tak]

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.

verb (used with object)

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

thumbtack

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of thumbtack¹

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

Example Sentences

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

Read more on Literature

First, punch a small hole in the middle of one of the cards using a thumbtack or a pin.

Read more on New York Times

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on New York Times