B2noun1K

Tag

UK /["/tæɡ/"]/US /["/tæɡ/"]/

Definition

a small piece of paper, cloth, plastic, etc. attached to something to identify it or give information about it

In simple words: A label or word used to identify something.

Examples

  • He put name tags on all his shirts.
  • a gift tag *(= tied to a present)*
  • The police use electronic tags to monitor the whereabouts of young offenders on probation.
  • They are finally ready to drop the tag ‘the new Beatles’.
  • The ‘lucky’ tag stuck for years.
  • The president made several jokes in an attempt to shake off his ‘humourless’ tag.
  • the Latin tag ‘Si vis pacem, para bellum.’ *(= if you want peace, prepare for war)*

Usage notes

Commonly used in both physical and digital contexts. In informal speech, it can also refer to a game. Avoid in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

tag + object

Memory hint

Think of 'tag' as in 'tag you're it!' in games.

Collocations

  • identification
  • identity
  • name
  • attach
  • put
  • remove
  • something carries a price tag of…
  • something has a price tag of…

Synonyms

  • label
  • marker
  • sign
  • title
  • identifier

Antonyms

  • untag
  • remove

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'bag' when spoken quickly.
  • Using 'tag' as a verb with incorrect objects, e.g. 'tag a friend with a book'.