Definition of tie-up
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : a slowdown or stoppage of traffic, business, or operation (as by a mechanical breakdown)
2 : connection, association helpful financial tie-ups
3a : a cow stable also : a space for a single cow in a stable
b : a mooring place for a boat
tie up
verbtied up; tying up or tieing up; ties up
Definition of tie up (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : to attach, fasten, or bind securely also : to wrap up and fasten
2a : to connect closely : join tie up the loose ends
b : to cause to be linked so as to depend on or relate to something
3a : to place or invest in such a manner as to make unavailable for other purposes
their money was tied up in stocks
b : to restrain from normal movement, operation, or progress
traffic was tied up for miles
4a : to keep busy
was tied up in conference all day
b : to preempt the use of
tied up the phone for an hour
1 : dock entry 2 the ferry ties up at the south slip
2 : to assume a definite relationship
this ties up with what I told you before
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Time Traveler for tie-up
The first known use of tie-up was in 1530
See more words from the same year