identification tag

A soldier checks his identification tag before a mission.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tag for identification: "identification tag" refers to a small piece of material, such as metal, plastic, or cloth, attached to a person, animal, or object, bearing identifying information (e.g., name, serial number, or unit). It is commonly used in military contexts to identify soldiers, but also for pets or luggage.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Every soldier wears an identification tag around his neck. (A tag with personal details for military identification.)
  • The dog's identification tag includes the owner's phone number. (A tag attached to a pet's collar for return if lost.)

Advanced Usage

• "to wear an identification tag": to have such a tag on one's person.

  • All personnel must wear their identification tag at all times during the exercise. (The tag must be displayed for security.)

• "to lose one's identification tag": to misplace or have the tag removed.

  • He was reprimanded for losing his identification tag during the drill. (The tag was missing, causing a security issue.)

Variants and Related Words

• ID tag (n): a shortened form of "identification tag."

  • Please check your ID tag before entering the facility. (A tag for identification purposes.)

• Dog tag (n): a colloquial term for a military identification tag.

  • The soldier's dog tag was engraved with his blood type. (A common informal term for military ID tags.)

Synonyms

• Name tag: a tag bearing a person's name, often for events or workplaces.
• ID badge: a card or tag with identification details, often worn on clothing.

Idioms and Fixed Expressions

• "Tag someone": to assign an identification tag to someone.

  • The veterinarian tagged the stray dog with an identification tag. (Attached a tag for tracking.)

• "Tag along": (not directly related) to accompany someone, but not a compound of "identification tag."

  • She decided to tag along with her friend to the event. (To follow or join.)

Related Idioms (with the phrase "identification tag")

• "Check one's identification tag": to verify the information on the tag.

  • Before the mission, each soldier checked his identification tag for accuracy. (Ensured the tag was correct.)

• "Lose one's identification tag": to become separated from the tag.

  • He lost his identification tag during the hike, causing a search. (The tag was missing.)

Phrasal Verbs (with "tag")

• Tag out: to remove or replace an identification tag.

  • The technician tagged out the old equipment after inspection. (Removed the tag marking it as active.)

• Tag in: to attach an identification tag to something.

  • Please tag in all new items before storing them. (Attach tags for inventory.)