Definition of tie
tied
;tying
play \ˈtī-iŋ\ ortieing
transitive verb
1a : to fasten, attach, or close by means of a tieb : to form a knot or bow in tie your scarfc : to make by tying constituent elements tied a wreath tie a fishing fly
2a : to place or establish in relationship : connectb : to unite in marriagec : to unite (musical notes) by a tied : to join (power systems) electrically
3 : to restrain from independence or freedom of action or choice : constrain by or as if by authority, influence, agreement, or obligation
4a (1) : to make or have an equal score with in a contest (2) : to equalize (the score) in a game or contest (3) : to equalize the score of (a game)b : to provide or offer something equal to : equal
intransitive verb
: to make a tie: such asa : to make a bond or connectionb : to make an equal scorec : to become attachedd : to close by means of a tie
tie into
: to attack with vigor
tie one on
slang
: to get drunk
tie the knot
: to perform a marriage ceremony; also : to get married
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of tie in a Sentence
He was wearing a suit and tie.
You have a spot on your tie.
The pants have a tie at the top.
He was not ready to accept the ties of family life.
Before 12th Century
First Known Use of tie
before 12th century
Other Railroad Terms
tie
Definition of tie
1a : a line, ribbon, or cord used for fastening, uniting, or drawing something closed; especially : shoelaceb (1) : a structural element (such as a rod or angle iron) holding two pieces together : a tension member in a construction (2) : any of the transverse supports to which railroad rails are fastened to keep them in line
2 : something that serves as a connecting link: such asa : a moral or legal obligation to someone or something typically constituting a restraining power, influence, or dutyb : a bond of kinship or affection
3 : a curved line that joins two musical notes of the same pitch to denote a single tone sustained through the time value of the two
4a : an equality in number (as of votes or scores)b : equality in a contest; also : a contest that ends in a draw
5 : a method or style of tying or knotting
6 : something that is knotted or is to be knotted when worn: such asa : necktieb : a low laced shoe : oxford
Examples of tie in a Sentence
His kidnappers tied him to a chair.
She tied a scarf around her neck.
She tied knots in the rope.
You need to tie your shoe.
His hands and feet had been tied together.
She tied the apron loosely around her waist.
The team still has a chance to tie.
I had the lead but he tied me by making a birdie on the last hole.
Her time tied the world record.
He tied the school's record in the high jump.
Origin and Etymology of tie
Middle English teg, tye, from Old English tēag; akin to Old Norse taug rope, Old English tēon to pull — more at 1tow
First Known Use: before 12th century
TIE Defined for English Language Learners
tie
playDefinition of tie for English Language Learners
-
: a piece of string, ribbon, cord, etc., that is used for fastening, joining, or closing something
-
: something (such as an idea, interest, experience, or feeling) that is shared by people or groups and that forms a connection between them
-
: a responsibility that limits a person's freedom to do other things
tie
Definition of tie for English Language Learners
-
: to attach (someone or something) to something with a string, rope, etc.
-
: to pass (something, such as a string, ribbon, or rope) around itself in a way that attaches it to something or holds it in place : to make a knot or bow in (something)
-
: to close or hold (something) with a string, rope, etc., that is attached to it or wrapped around it
TIE Defined for Kids
Definition of tie for Students
1 : necktie
2 : an equality in number (as of votes or scores) The game ended in a tie.
3 : a contest that ends with an equal score They finished the season with six wins and two ties.
4 : one of the cross supports to which railroad rails are fastened
5 : a connecting link : bond family ties
6 : a line, ribbon, or cord used for fastening, joining, or closing
7 : a part (as a beam or rod) holding two pieces together
Definition of tie for Students
tied
;tying
\ˈtī-iŋ\ ortieing
1 : to fasten, attach, or close by means of a tie
2 : to form a knot or bow in
3 : to bring together firmly : unite They are tied by marriage.
4 : to hold back from freedom of action Obligations tied her down.
5 : to make or have an equal score with in a contest
Learn More about tie
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tie Spanish Central: Translation of tie Nglish: Translation of tie for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of tie for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up tie? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!