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tag

/tæɡ/
IELTSAcademic
noun
  1. 1.

    A small piece of paper, plastic, or metal attached to something to give information, identify it, or show its price.

    • The price tag was still on the shirt.
    • Please remove the luggage tag before flying.
  2. 2.

    In online media, a word or label added to help people find a post or photo.

    • Use a tag to make the post easier to find.
    • She added three tags to her photo.
verb
  1. 1.

    To attach a tag to something, or to mark or label it with a word or category.

    • We tagged the boxes with the room number.
    • The report was tagged as confidential.
  2. 2.

    To choose someone for a special role or job, often informally.

    • He was tagged as the team leader.
    • They tagged her to lead the project.
noun

A children's game in which players run and try to touch another player.

  • The children played tag in the park.
  • Tag is a popular game at school.

Adinary Nuance

Tag is close to label, marker, and sticker, but it is broader. A tag can be a physical label, an online hashtag-like word, or a way to mark something. Use label for a clearer identifying name, sticker for something that sticks on, and tag for a quick marking or added piece of information.

In other languages

Vietnamese
nhãn
Spanish
etiqueta
Chinese
标签
Japanese
タグ
Korean
태그

Etymology

Tag came into English in the late Middle English period, probably from a Scandinavian source. It originally meant a hanging piece or strip, which fits the idea of a label or marker.

Common phrases

price tagluggage tagtag someone astag along

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a tag and a label?
A label is usually the main name or description. A tag is often a small added marker or extra word.
Is tag formal or informal?
Tag is common in everyday English. In business or academic writing, it is still natural in many uses.
What does tag mean on social media?
On social media, a tag is a word or name added to help organize or mention content.
Can tag be used as a verb?
Yes. You can tag something, like a file, photo, or box.