tile

¹tile

noun, often attributive \ˈtī(-ə)l\

Definition of TILE

1

plural tiles or tile a : a flat or curved piece of fired clay, stone, or concrete used especially for roofs, floors, or walls and often for ornamental work b : a hollow or a semicircular and open earthenware or concrete piece used in constructing a drain c : a hollow building unit made of fired clay or of shale or gypsum

2

: tiling

3

: hat; especially : a high silk hat

4

: a thin piece of resilient material (as cork, linoleum, or rubber) used especially for covering floors or walls

5

: a thin piece resembling a ceramic tile that usually bears a mark or letter and is used as a playing piece in a board game (as mah-jongg)

— on the tiles

British : engaged in late-night carousing

Examples of TILE

1. We installed new tile in the kitchen.

Origin of TILE

Middle English, from Old English tigele, from Latin tegula tile; akin to Latin tegere to cover — more at thatch

First Known Use: before 12th century