Illustration of tackle
- tackle 2b
1
: a set of the equipment used in a particular activity : gear
fishing tackle
2
a
: a ship's rigging
b
: an assemblage of ropes and pulleys arranged to gain mechanical advantage for hoisting and pulling
3
a
: the act or an instance of tackling
b(1)
: either of two offensive football players positioned on each side of the center and between guard and end
(2)
: either of two football players positioned on the inside of a defensive line
tackled; tackling
ˈta-k(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to seize, take hold of, or grapple with especially with the intention of stopping or subduing
b
: to seize and throw down or stop (an opposing player with the ball) in football
2
: to set about dealing with
tackle the problem
3
: to attach or secure with or as if with tackle
: to tackle an opposing player in football
Synonyms of tackle
Examples of tackle in a Sentence
Noun
a box for fishing tackle
He made two tackles in the first half.
Verb
The police officer tackled him as he tried to escape.
He was tackled at the line of scrimmage.
I'll tackle my homework later.
We found new ways to tackle the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 16 May 2026
The Villages tacked on a late touchdown on the back-up players, one of whom missed a tackle as Ja’Marian ‘D-Bo’ Clark pushed his way into the end zone.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2026
Melina Khan, USA Today, 16 May 2026
The African Producers Accelerator, an initiative designed to tackle persistent industry barriers faced by mid-career African film and television producers, has selected the six participants who will take part in its 2026 edition.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tackle
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy praised the offensive tackle's steady rise during the evaluation process.
—Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 16 May 2026
The Villages tacked on a late touchdown on the back-up players, one of whom missed a tackle as Ja’Marian ‘D-Bo’ Clark pushed his way into the end zone.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2026
Verb
The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper is known for his introspective lyrics that tackle political and social themes.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 16 May 2026
The African Producers Accelerator, an initiative designed to tackle persistent industry barriers faced by mid-career African film and television producers, has selected the six participants who will take part in its 2026 edition.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tackle
Cite this Entry
“Tackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tackle. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
1
: a set of special equipment : gear
fishing tackle
2
: an arrangement of ropes and wheels for hoisting or pulling something heavy
3
a
: the act or an instance of tackling
b
: a football player who is positioned on the line of scrimmage and inside the ends
tackle
2 of 2 verb
tackled; tackling
ˈtak-(ə-)liŋ
1
: to seize or take hold of especially in order to stop or throw down
2
: to set about dealing with
tackle a problem
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