1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a label, esp. one for tying on an object to show its address, price, etc.
2 a metal or plastic point at the end of a lace etc. to assist insertion.
3 a loop at the back of a boot used in pulling it on.
4 US a licence plate of a motor vehicle.
5 a loose or ragged end of anything.
6 a ragged lock of wool on a sheep.
7 Theatr. a closing speech addressed to the audience.
8 a trite quotation or stock phrase.
9 a the refrain of a song. b a musical phrase added to the end of a piece.
10 an animal's tail, or its tip.
--v.tr. (tagged, tagging)
1. provide with a tag or tags.
2 (often foll. by on, on to) join or attach.
3 colloq. follow closely or trail behind.
4 Computing identify (an item of data) by its type for later retrieval.
5 label radioactively (see LABEL v. 3).
6 a find rhymes for (verses). b string (rhymes) together.
7 shear away tags from (sheep).
Phrases and idioms:
tag along (often foll. by with) go along or accompany passively. tag end esp. US the last remnant of something.
Etymology: ME: orig. unkn. 2. n. & v.
--n.
1. a children's game in which one chases the rest, and anyone who is caught then becomes the pursuer.
2 Baseball the act of tagging a runner.
--v.tr. (tagged, tagging)
1. touch in a game of tag.
2 (often foll. by out) put (a runner) out by touching with the ball or with the hand holding the ball.
Etymology: 18th c.: orig. unkn.