Thumbtack Meaning in English

word

US

ˈθʌm.tæk

THUM-tak

UK

θˈʌmbtæk

thum-TAK

Definition

A thumbtack is a small, sharp pin with a flat, rounded head, used to attach papers or notes to a board or wall.

Usage & Nuances

"Thumbtack" is most common in American English; the British equivalent is 'drawing pin'. Used in both office and home settings. Usually refers to the flat-headed, push-in style, not to be confused with push pins (which sometimes have plastic heads).

• Spanish: chincheta - tachuela
• Portuguese (BR): tachinha - percevejo (de quadro)
• Portuguese (PT): pionés - percevejo (de quadro)
• Chinese (Simplified): 图钉
• Chinese (Traditional): 圖釘
• Hindi: ड्राइंग पिन - थंबटैक
• Arabic: دبوس تثبيت
• Bengali: ড্রয়িং পিন - থাম্বট্যাক
• Russian: кнопка (канцелярская)
• Japanese: 画びょう
• Vietnamese: đinh bấm
• Korean: 압정
• Turkish: raptiye
• Urdu: پِن - ڈرائنگ پن
• Indonesian: penjepret kertas - payung (kertas)

Example Sentences

Can I borrow a thumbtack to hang this paper?

basic

There is a thumbtack stuck in the wall.

basic

Please use a thumbtack to put your note on the board.

basic

I lost a thumbtack on the floor, so please be careful where you step.

natural

He used a red thumbtack to pin the photo to the board.

natural

If you need to move the papers, just take out the thumbtacks and reuse them.

natural