What does "tackle" mean?
A device for grasping an object and an attached means of moving it, as a rope and hook.
Tackle
/ˈtækəl/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A device for grasping an object and an attached means of moving it, as a rope and hook.
- Grammar: tackle is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: rigging, accept, accouterments, address.
- Useful contrasts: avoid, dab, dodge.
- Usage evidence: To begin with, we must tackle the problem.
How to use "tackle"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "tackle" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "tackle" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "tackle" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "tackle" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "tackle" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "rigging" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "tackle", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A device for grasping an object and an attached means of moving it, as a rope and hook. countable, uncountable
- 2 (American football) grasping an opposing player with the intention of stopping by throwing to the ground wordnet
- 3 A block and tackle. countable, uncountable
- 4 (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage, typically opposite one of the offensive guards wordnet
- 5 Clothing. slang, uncountable
Show 11 more definitions
- 6 gear used in fishing wordnet
- 7 Equipment (rod, reel, line, lure, etc.) used when angling. uncountable
- 8 gear consisting of ropes etc. supporting a ship's masts and sails wordnet
- 9 Equipment, gear, gadgetry. broadly, informal, uncountable
"2004 June 24–30, "Jeff Gordon Never Gets Tired Of Seeing Face On Cheap Plastic Crap", The Onion, available in Embedded in America, →ISBN, page 193, ... an illuminated license-plate frame bearing his likeness, signature, and yellow number 24. "That there's a real nice piece of tackle. ...""
- 10 the person who plays offensive or defensive tackle on a football team wordnet
- 11 A play where a player attempts to take control over the ball from an opponent, as in rugby or football. countable
- 12 A play where a defender brings the ball carrier to the ground. countable
- 13 Any instance in which one person intercepts another and forces them to the ground. countable
- 14 An offensive line position between a guard and an end: offensive tackle; a person playing that position. countable, uncountable
- 15 A defensive position between two defensive ends: defensive tackle; a person playing that position. countable, uncountable
- 16 The penis. countable, slang, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To force a person to the ground with the weight of one's own body, usually by jumping on top or slamming one's weight into them.
- 2 seize and throw down an opponent player, who usually carries the ball wordnet
- 3 To face or deal with, attempting to overcome or fight down.
"The government's measures to tackle crime were insufficient."
- 4 put a harness wordnet
- 5 To attempt to take away a ball.
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 accept as a challenge wordnet
- 7 To bring a ball carrier to the ground.
- 8 To "hit on" or pursue a person that one is interested in. Singapore, colloquial
""Singing is the oldest, most effective and productive way to tackle girls," asserted the 37-year-old, affectionately known as Ah Guan at Tan Chang Ren Music Station."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"To begin with, we must tackle the problem."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "tackle"?
Common synonyms include: rigging, accept, accouterments, address, address an envelope, address colleagues courteously.
How do you use "tackle" in a sentence?
To begin with, we must tackle the problem.
How do you pronounce "tackle"?
Pronounced /ˈtækəl/.
Etymology
From Middle English takel (“gear, apparatus”), from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German takel (“ship's rigging”), perhaps related to Middle Dutch taken (“to grasp, seize”). Akin to Danish takkel (“tackle”), Swedish tackel (“tackle”). More at take.