tidy

1 of 4

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

tidy

2 of 4

verb

tidied; tidying

transitive verb

: to put in order

tidy up a room

intransitive verb

: to make things tidy

tidying up after supper

tidier noun

tidy

3 of 4

noun (1)

plural tidies

1

: a usually compartmentalized receptacle for various small objects

2

: a piece of fancywork used to protect the back, arms, or headrest of a chair or sofa from wear or soil

tidiness

4 of 4

noun (2)

ti·​di·​ness -dēnə̇s 

-din-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being tidy

Synonyms of tidy

Adjective

• neat
• tidied
• trim
• orderly
• uncluttered

Verb

• clean (up)
• clean house
• set straight

Examples of tidy in a Sentence

Adjective

He has always been a tidy person.

She earns a tidy salary.

They paid a tidy sum for the house.

Verb

I tidied the house before they arrived.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Scattered along the walls of the studio were tidy heaps of scarves and mesh, rainbows of stripes, every shade of ballet pink, Uggs of every height. — Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Deadheading daisies helps maintain a tidy appearance, stimulates new growth, and encourages prolific blooms. — The Spruce, 11 Aug. 2026

Verb

It’s made from fir wood in a warm finish that can complement any home’s exterior or blend naturally with backyard landscapes, and it’s packed with versatile storage opportunities to tidy up your outdoor space. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 23 July 2026

Simply getting in the habit of taking a couple of minutes each night to tidy up the kitchen is a game-changer. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Verb

1821, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (1)

circa 1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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