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b
: so close in structure as to prevent passage or escape (as of liquid, gas, or light)
compare lightproof, watertight
4
: characterized by little difference in the relative positions of contestants with respect to final outcome : close
tightly
adverb
tightness
noun
Synonyms
Example Sentences
Adjective
The lid is too tight. I can't loosen it.
She made a tight knot in the rope.
Keep a tight grip on his hand when you cross the street.
Pull the ribbon tight and make a bow.
Adverb
Is the door shut tight?
She screwed the cap on tight.
Don't close the lid so tight.
We were packed as tight as sardines on the bus.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2023
Moehringer has fashioned the Duke of Sussex’s life story into a tight three-act drama, consisting of his occasionally wayward youth; his decade of military service, which included two tours of duty in Afghanistan; and his relationship with Meghan.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2023
But training the staff and renovations on a tight timetable don't go as planned.
—Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2023
McDaniel picked up her dribble and attempted a tight pass to the middle of the floor.
—Wilson Moore, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Jan. 2023
In the clip, Rihanna struts towards the camera in a long, feathery green coat and a tight black top with her hair pointed upward in a tree branch-like braid.
—Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 13 Jan. 2023
Overall, the inventory of condos in downtown Charleston remains tight, according to an analysis by real-estate website Zillow.
—Beth Decarbo, WSJ, 13 Jan. 2023
Those tight losses have shown almost as much as Wednesday’s win did.
—Theo Mackie, The Arizona Republic, 13 Jan. 2023
Fox said the improbable victory over the first-place Stars was particularly satisfying considering the Rangers are in a tight division battle of their own.
—Dallas News, 12 Jan. 2023
Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2023
Like much of the cast, Jeremy has kept tight-lipped about season 4 details.
—Jacqueline Saguin, Good Housekeeping, 16 Jan. 2023
Santos has remained tight-lipped over his resume inconsistencies, often dodging media questions asking him to address the issue.
—Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner, 15 Jan. 2023
Finkelstein hopes to attempt his next record with his girlfriend, but is remaining tight lipped about the concept.
—Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 10 Jan. 2023
As everyone embraced and shook hands with his daughter, Mr. Duterte grimaced, tight-lipped and impatient.
—Camille Elemia, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2023
The matter is still pending in court, and both parties remain tight-lipped on the procedural details.
—Tenille Clarke, Essence, 9 Jan. 2023
Fox News Digital also reported that Kerry's office, which has been notably tight-lipped about its staffing and operations, routinely redacts the names of officials who work at the office in information requests.
—Thomas Catenacci, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2022
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was tight-lipped Tuesday when pressed during a briefing whether the Biden family Thanksgiving would include discussions about 2024.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 23 Nov. 2022
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Adjective
In the embarrassing case of Jaden Rashada, Billy Napier’s tight ship looks more like the S.S. Minnow that ended up marooned on Gilligan’s Island. Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com.
—Mike Bianchi, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2023
Moehringer has fashioned the Duke of Sussex’s life story into a tight three-act drama, consisting of his occasionally wayward youth; his decade of military service, which included two tours of duty in Afghanistan; and his relationship with Meghan.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2023
But training the staff and renovations on a tight timetable don't go as planned.
—Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2023
McDaniel picked up her dribble and attempted a tight pass to the middle of the floor.
—Wilson Moore, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Jan. 2023
In the clip, Rihanna struts towards the camera in a long, feathery green coat and a tight black top with her hair pointed upward in a tree branch-like braid.
—Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 13 Jan. 2023
Overall, the inventory of condos in downtown Charleston remains tight, according to an analysis by real-estate website Zillow.
—Beth Decarbo, WSJ, 13 Jan. 2023
Those tight losses have shown almost as much as Wednesday’s win did.
—Theo Mackie, The Arizona Republic, 13 Jan. 2023
Fox said the improbable victory over the first-place Stars was particularly satisfying considering the Rangers are in a tight division battle of their own.
—Dallas News, 12 Jan. 2023
Adverb
The Directors Guild of America has traditionally avoided showdowns with the studios, bargained early and remained tight-lipped about its goals.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2023
Like much of the cast, Jeremy has kept tight-lipped about season 4 details.
—Jacqueline Saguin, Good Housekeeping, 16 Jan. 2023
Santos has remained tight-lipped over his resume inconsistencies, often dodging media questions asking him to address the issue.
—Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner, 15 Jan. 2023
Finkelstein hopes to attempt his next record with his girlfriend, but is remaining tight lipped about the concept.
—Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 10 Jan. 2023
As everyone embraced and shook hands with his daughter, Mr. Duterte grimaced, tight-lipped and impatient.
—Camille Elemia, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2023
The matter is still pending in court, and both parties remain tight-lipped on the procedural details.
—Tenille Clarke, Essence, 9 Jan. 2023
Fox News Digital also reported that Kerry's office, which has been notably tight-lipped about its staffing and operations, routinely redacts the names of officials who work at the office in information requests.
—Thomas Catenacci, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2022
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was tight-lipped Tuesday when pressed during a briefing whether the Biden family Thanksgiving would include discussions about 2024.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 23 Nov. 2022
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These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English tiht, thyht dense, solid, watertight, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse thēttr tight; akin to Middle High German dīhte thick, Sanskrit tanakti it causes to coagulate
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adverb
1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of tight was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing tight
Dictionary Entries Near tight
Cite this Entry
“Tight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tight. Accessed 26 Jan. 2023.
More from Merriam-Webster on tight
Nglish: Translation of tight for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of tight for Arabic Speakers
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