1. A loose temporary sewing stitch to hold layers of fabric together
   "She used a tacking stitch to keep the hem in place before final sewing";
   - baste, basting, basting stitch
    
2. (nautical) the act of changing tack
   "The sailor's tacking allowed the boat to make progress against the wind";
   - tack
    
3. Sailing a zigzag course
   "The yacht's tacking allowed it to make headway against the wind"

1. Fasten with tacks
   "tack the notice on the board"
    
2. Fix to; attach
   "She tacked on a postscript to the letter";
   - append, tag on, tack on, hang on
    
3. Sew together loosely, with large stitches
   "tack a hem";
   - baste
    
4. Create by putting components or members together
   "He tacked together some verses";
   - assemble, piece, put together, set up, tack together
    
5. (boat) turn into the wind
   "The sailors decided to tack the boat"; "The boat tacked"

Derived forms: tackings

Type of: attach, change of course, create, embroidery stitch, fasten, fix, join, make, run up, sail, sailing, secure, sew, sew together, sewing stitch, stitch, stitch up

Encyclopedia: Tacking