Because of its widespread use, hashtag was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in June 2014. 

A hashtag is a type of label or metadata tag used on social network and microblogging services, which makes it easier for users to find messages with a specific theme or content. Users create and use hashtags by placing the hash character (or number sign) # in front of a word or unspaced phrase, either in the main text of a message or at the end. Searching for that hashtag will then present each message that has been tagged with it. #Hashtags work like an organized filling system and help consumers easily find and engage content of interest. #Hashtags have become more powerful than dot com.