English · Word Candidate

hashtag

/ˈhæʃˌtæɡ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: hashtags · hashtagging · hashtagged

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A metadata tag, signaled by a preceding hash sign (#), used to label content.

Noun

Examples

I support the hash tag convention: http://tinyurl.com/2qttlb #hashtag #factoryjoe #twitter

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The hash sign itself, especially when used as part of a hashtag.

NounRegister: informal

Examples

I sound like a shitty mother and wife. Or at the very least an inadequate wife and ungrateful mother–which is in stark contrast to the image I try to portray on Instagram. Hashtag happy life. Hashtag beautiful family. Hashtag blessed.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To label (a message) with a hashtag.

Verb

Examples

The photo-sharing site was riddled with fake accounts that liked, followed and hashtagged out the wazoo. Then came the great “Instagram Rapture,” Instagram’s pledge last December to clean out the fake accounts and do “everything possible to keep Instagram free from the fake and spammy accounts that

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “hashtag” mean?

A metadata tag, signaled by a preceding hash sign (#), used to label content.

Is “hashtag” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.