hash mark
B2Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A symbol consisting of two parallel horizontal lines and two parallel vertical lines (#), used to represent the word 'number' or to indicate a hashtag.
In sports, a hash mark is also a line on a playing field, such as in American football or rugby, used to mark yardage. In military contexts, it refers to a service stripe worn on a uniform to denote years of service.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning is typographical/symbolic. Its usage in sports and the military are domain-specific extensions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the symbol (#) is more commonly called a 'hash' or a 'hash sign', while 'hash mark' is an American term. The military/sports usage is predominantly American.
Connotations
In the US, 'hash mark' is a standard technical term in sports and the military. In the UK, it primarily connotes the symbol.
Frequency
'Hash mark' is frequent in American English; it is understood but less common in British English, where 'hash sign' is preferred.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Enter your PIN followed by the hash mark.The player lined up on the hash mark.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To earn your hash marks (US military: to gain years of service).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in instructions, e.g., 'Dial the extension and then press the hash mark.'
Academic
Rare, but may appear in typography or sports science papers.
Everyday
Common in phone or website instructions; also in discussing social media hashtags.
Technical
Specific to telecommunications, computing (hashtags), and sports field markings.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- No common verb use.
American English
- No common verb use.
adverb
British English
- No common adverb use.
American English
- No common adverb use.
adjective
British English
- No common adjective use.
American English
- The hash-mark lines on the field were freshly painted.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The phone number has a hash mark at the end.
- To confirm, you must press the hash mark key.
- In American football, the ball was placed on the left hash mark.
- His uniform sleeve bore three hash marks, each denoting four years of service.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'hash' as in 'hashtag' and 'mark' as a written symbol – together they form the # mark.
Conceptual Metaphor
SYMBOL AS MARKER (the # marks a number, a topic, or a position).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'метка хеша'. The symbol is commonly known as 'решетка' in Russian.
- In sports contexts, it is a 'разметка поля' or specifically 'линия хэша' in American football.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hashtag' and 'hash mark' interchangeably (a hashtag includes the # plus a word/phrase).
- Confusing it with the asterisk (*).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common British English term for the # symbol?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'hash mark' is the symbol (#) itself. A 'hashtag' is the symbol followed by a keyword or phrase (e.g., #travel).
The 'hash' part likely comes from 'hatch', referring to cross-hatching. 'Mark' simply means a sign or symbol.
The term is not standard in UK sports like rugby or football (soccer). It is specific to American football.
Yes, in the US military, it's a service stripe on a uniform. It's rarely used outside these contexts.