tight-lipped

adjective

ˈtīt-ˈlipt 

1

: having the lips closed tight (as in determination)

2

: reluctant to speak : taciturn

Synonyms of tight-lipped

• silent
• reserved
• dumb
• restrained

Examples of tight-lipped in a Sentence

the cabinet official is usually tight-lipped about her private life

Recent Examples on the Web

The city’s corporation counsel has also been tight-lipped, with no comment on what settlements on the horizon could be behind the eye-popping increase. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Investigators have been tight-lipped about what facility in Chicago is handling the lab work, some of which arrived as early as July 27. — Sara MacHi, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

What's less certain is what Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh, who's been tight-lipped about the path of monetary policy, will say at his post-decision press conference. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

This is reportedly making some people nervous, particularly because Parton was notoriously tight-lipped about her private life. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tight-lipped

• eucalypt
• manuscript
• nondescript
• superscript
• chipped
• clipped
• crypt
• dipped
• dripped
• flipped
• gripped
• hipped

Kids Definition

tight-lipped

adjective

-ˈlipt

1

: having the lips closed tight (as in determination)

2

: not liking to speak : taciturn