1 B2 neutral
(Sewing/craft) To join fabric or other materials loosely with temporary stitches or fastenings
"Tack the two panels together first to check the fit before sewing the final seam."
separable
tack together
B2 neutral separable transitive
To join two or more pieces loosely or temporarily using small fastenings
In plain English
Hold things together with small pins or stitches so they stay in place for now
What does "tack together" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
(Figurative) To assemble something quickly or roughly, without care for quality
"The proposal felt like it had been tacked together at the last minute."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use tacks to hold pieces together — transparent in a crafting context.
Actually means
Hold things together with small pins or stitches so they stay in place for now
Usage tip
Used in sewing, carpentry, and craft contexts. Also used figuratively to describe assembling something hastily or provisionally. The figurative sense often carries a slightly negative connotation of poor craftsmanship.
Words that pair with "tack together"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
fabric pieces panels sections layers plan
How to conjugate "tack together"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tack together
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tacks together
he/she/it
Past simple
tacked together
yesterday
Past participle
tacked together
have + pp
-ing form
tacking together
continuous
Hear "tack together" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tack together" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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