thumbtack

USAGE SUMMARY

'thumbtack' is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small, sharp nail or pin with a wide, flat head, used for attaching paper to a wall or bulletin board. Example: "Please use thumbtacks to hang your poster on the bulletin board." Or "Be careful when picking up the papers, there may be a few stray thumbtacks on the floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

He chose a black thumbtack out of a pile in an ashtray and stuck the note in the middle of the board, next to one offering a free rattlesnake to a good home.

The New Yorker

She worked late that evening, crayoning a large replica of Garth Williams's "SOME PIG!" drawing in the book — the miracle web that saves Wilbur — and had me drive her back to the Whites' that night, so she could secretly thumbtack it to the side of the pen.

The New Yorker

He pointed to a yellow thumbtack at the Chicago River Lock and Dam, under Lake Shore Drive, about a mile and a half north of the Shedd Aquarium.

The New Yorker

His massive buffalo cheeseburger and her chicken salad had just been brought to the table by a server named Matthew, who had a silver thumbtack in his tongue and a ring in his nose.

The New Yorker

The capable lefty Rick Honeycutt, while with the Mariners in 1980, was excused for a term after an ump found a thumbtack affixed to his mitt (legend has it that he began to bleed on the mound after absent-mindedly wiping sweat from his forehead).

The New Yorker

On one wall, a free calendar from the hardware store hung by a thumbtack.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

He touched a button on his computer and little yellow thumbtack-like circles appeared on the Google Earth photo.

The New Yorker

In British Columbia, offshore net-cages are breeding grounds for thumbtack-sized parasites called sea lice.

The New York Times

Bai Yiluo shapes grids of thumbtack-size portraits of ordinary people into the silhouettes of Chinese zodiac animals.

The New York Times - Arts

Notice in English, thumbtacked to a wall of a room in a Zurich hotel: "The seagulls making too much noise.

The New Yorker

The map was studded with yellow thumbtacks, each one marked with coördinates.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you are using “thumbtacks” to hang something heavier, use multiple “thumbtacks”.

Common error

Avoid using "thumbtacks" to hang heavy items. They are designed for lightweight materials and may fail under significant weight, causing damage or injury.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "thumbtack" is as a noun, referring to a small nail-like tack used for fastening items to surfaces. Ludwig confirms that "thumbtack" is a commonly used word.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thumbtack" functions primarily as a noun to describe a small fastener, and it is considered grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. Its register is generally neutral, frequently appearing in news and media contexts. Related terms include "pushpin" and "drawing pin". When using "thumbtacks", avoid overestimating their holding power and damaging delicate surfaces.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pushpin

Synonym for "thumbtack", emphasizing the pushing action to secure it.

drawing pin

British English equivalent of "thumbtack".

map pin

Similar to a "thumbtack" but often used specifically for marking locations on maps.

tack

A more general term; "thumbtack" is a specific type of "tack".

secure with a pushpin

Verb phrase describing the action of using a "thumbtack".

fasten with a tack

Alternative verb phrase describing the function of a "thumbtack".

affix with a pin

Formal way of expressing the action of attaching something with a pin.

attach with a pin

General action of using a pin to attach something. Less specific.

pin

Very broad term; "thumbtack" is a specific type of "pin".

pinning

Action of using a "thumbtack", focusing on the process.

FAQs

How can I use "thumbtack" in a sentence?

You can say, "I used a "thumbtack" to hang the poster", or "The notice was attached to the bulletin board with a "thumbtack"".

What is the difference between a "thumbtack" and a "pushpin"?

"Thumbtack" and "pushpin" are often used interchangeably, but "thumbtack" may refer to versions with a shorter nail, while "pushpin" is often used for those with a longer, more substantial pin.

What can I say instead of "thumbtack"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pushpin" or "drawing pin".

Is it correct to say "thumbtack" or should I say "thumb tack"?

"Thumbtack" is the correct single-word spelling. "Thumb tack" as two words is not standard usage.