tight

¹tight

adjective \ˈtīt\

Definition of TIGHT

1

a : having elements close together <a tight formation> <a tight line of type>

b : so close in structure as to prevent passage or escape (as of liquid, gas, or light) <a tight ship> <a tight seal> — compare lightproof, watertight

c : fitting very close to the body <tight jeans>; also : too snug <tight shoes>

d (1) : closely packed : very full <a tight bale of hay> (2) : barely allowing time for completion <a tight schedule> <tight deadlines>

e : allowing little or no room for free motion or movement <a tight connection> <a tight crawl space>; also : having a small radius <a tight turn>

2

a : strongly fixed or held : secure <a tight jar lid> <a tight grip on the ladder>

b (1) : not slack or loose : taut <kept the reins tight> <a tight knot> <a tight drumhead>; also : marked by firmness and muscle tone <a tight stomach> (2) : marked by unusual tension (as in the face or body) <lips tight with anger> <a family tight with fear>

3

chiefly dialect : capable, competent

4

a : difficult to cope with <in a tight spot financially>

b : relatively difficult to obtain <money is tight just now>; also : characterized by such difficulty <a tight job market>

c : not liberal in giving : stingy <tight with a penny>

5

: characterized by little difference in the relative positions of contestants with respect to final outcome : close <a tight race for mayor>

6

: somewhat drunk

7

a : characterized by firmness or strictness in control or application or in attention to details <tight security> <ran a tight newsroom> <keeps a tight hand on her investments>

b : marked by control or discipline in expression or style : having little or no extraneous matter <tight writing>

c : characterized by a polished style and precise arrangements in music performance

8

: having a close personal or working relationship : intimate <is tight with the boss>

9

: being such that the subject fills the frame <a tight close-up>

— tight·ly adverb

— tight·ness noun

Examples of TIGHT

1. The lid is too tight. I can't loosen it.
2. She made a tight knot in the rope.
3. Keep a tight grip on his hand when you cross the street.
4. Pull the ribbon tight and make a bow.

Origin of TIGHT

Middle English tiht, thyht dense, solid, watertight, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse thēttr tight; akin to Middle High German dīhte thick, Sanskrit tanakti it causes to coagulate

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TIGHT

Synonyms

impenetrable, impermeable, impervious

Antonyms

penetrable, permeable, pervious

Related Words

close, compact, dense, snug, thick; airtight, hermetic (also hermetical), leakproof, watertight; lightproof, soundproof, waterproof

Near Antonyms

absorbent, leaky, porous, unsealed

²tight

adverb

Definition of TIGHT

1

: fast, tightly, firmly <the door was shut tight>

2

: in a sound manner : soundly <sleep tight>

Examples of TIGHT

1. Is the door shut tight?
2. She screwed the cap on tight.
3. Don't close the lid so tight.
4. We were packed as tight as sardines on the bus.

First Known Use of TIGHT

1680