Adhesive tape is an adhesive-coated fastening tape used for temporary or, in some cases, permanent joining. Single-sided tapes allow joining of two overlapping or adjoining materials, while double-sided tape (adhesive on both sides) allows joining of two items back-to-back.

These tapes are made by applying an adhesive emulsion to a tape or film that is then wound onto a roll. Manufacture often involves winding large films of material onto a roll and then cutting the roll into convenient widths.

Adhesive tape was first born in the 1920's by Richard Drew of the 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing) Company. The original tape was a paper-backed masking tape. Transparent and other tapes grew from this inventiion.

Alternate names or varieties

• 'Sticky tape ' (regional names may vary) is normally based on a transparent or translucent tape.
• 'Gaffer tape' is normally based on a heavy fabric or plastic tape. The name derives from its use by gaffers in the entertainment industry among others, to hold down cables particularly to obviate or prevent tripping hazard.
• Duct tape (sometimes referred to as "duck tape")
• Masking tape is used to cover areas that shouldn't be painted.