thumbtack
2 synonyms for thumbtack, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small tack with a slightly rounded head, pressed into place with the thumb to hold light items on a wall or noticeboard.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
drawing pin
pushpin
How to use thumbtack
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
thumbtack a notice
box of thumbtacks
pin up with a thumbtack
thumbtack to the wall
It is the everyday word in Canada and the US.
Etymology
It is a compound of the English words thumb and tack, named for being pushed in with the thumb.
Full origin of thumbtack →Frequently asked questions
What is a thumbtack?
It is a small tack with a rounded head that you push into a wall or noticeboard with your thumb. It holds up light items such as notices.
What is a thumbtack called in British English?
The usual British term is drawing pin.
Is a thumbtack the same as a pushpin?
They are closely related, and dictionaries treat pushpin as a coordinate term rather than a synonym.
