1 [noncount] : equipment that is used for a particular activity (especially fishing)
▪ a box for fishing tackle ▪ a tackle shop [=a shop that sells fishing equipment] 2 [count] sports : the act of tackling another player: such as a American football or rugby : the act of forcing the player who has the ball to fall to the ground
▪ He made two tackles in the first half. ▪ He missed the tackle. [=he failed to make the tackle]
b soccer, field hockey, etc. : the act of trying to get the ball from an opposing player 3 [count] American football a : either one of two players on the offensive team who play in positions on the line of scrimmage next to the guards
b : either one of two players on the defensive team who play in positions near the center of the line of scrimmage — see also nose tackle 4 [count, noncount] : an arrangement of ropes and wheels used for lifting or pulling something heavy — see also block and tackle 5 [noncount] Brit, informal : a man's sexual organs