tidy

adjective

ti·​dy ˈtī-dē 

tidier; tidiest

1

a

: neat and orderly in appearance or habits : well ordered and cared for

b

: methodical, precise

a tidy mind

2

: large, substantial

a tidy profit

3

: adequately satisfactory : acceptable, fair

a tidy solution to their problem

4

: properly filled out : plump

tidily

ˈtī-də-lē 

adverb

tidiness

ˈtī-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of tidy

• neat
• tidied
• trim
• orderly
• uncluttered

Examples of tidy in a Sentence

He has always been a tidy person.

She earns a tidy salary.

They paid a tidy sum for the house.

Recent Examples on the Web

Get into a routine of deadheading fading flowers regularly to keep the garden tidy and encourage more blooms from flowers like dahlias, marigolds, coneflowers, and roses. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 31 May 2026

The garden is a tidy collection of rectangular plots tended by co-team leads Elaine Davis and Jessica Asimus and three Colorado master gardeners. —Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 29 May 2026

All Alan seems to know how to do is a lil-stinker dance while making cheeky expressions, distilling the sketch comedian’s talents into an unnervingly tidy package. —Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026

Instead, opt for liquid soap which is tidier and easier for guests to use. —Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, timely, in good condition, from tide time

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing tidy

• neat and tidy
• tidy away
• tidy tips
• tidy up after (someone)

Rhymes for tidy

• friday
• untidy

Kids Definition

tidy

1 of 3 adjective

ti·​dy ˈtīd-ē 

tidier; tidiest

1

: well ordered and cared for

2

: large, substantial

a tidy price

tidy

2 of 3 verb

tidied; tidying

1

: to put in order

tidy up the room

2

: to make things tidy

tidy

3 of 3 noun

plural tidies

: a fancy covering used to protect the back, arms, or headrest of a chair or sofa from wear or soiling