Definition

A symbol used in writing that looks like a hashtag (#) and is often used to indicate a number or to label topics on social media.

Example

The hashtag for the event was marked with an octothorp.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term octothorp?

No, I haven't! What does it mean?

It's another name for the hashtag symbol, surprisingly.

That's interesting! I never knew it had such a quirky name.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Octothorp is a coined term from the 1960s, combining 'octo-' (from Greek 'okto', meaning eight) and 'thorp' (from Old English 'þorp', meaning village or settlement). The term refers to the symbol '#' which has eight points, hence the name octothorp, with 'thorp' humorously suggesting a village of sorts for the symbol.

Memory Tip

Think of 'octo-' meaning eight, and 'thorp' as a playful way to suggest a village — so octothorp refers to the eight-pointed symbol that represents a kind of 'village' in the world of symbols.

Visually Confused Words