Definition of tight
1 a
:having elements close together
- a tight formation
- a tight line of type
b
:so close in structure as to prevent passage or escape (as of liquid, gas, or light)
- a tight ship
- a tight seal
c
:fitting very close to the body
- tight jeans
- tight shoes
d (1)
:closely packed :very full
- a tight bale of hay
(2)
:barely allowing time for completion
- a tight schedule
- tight deadlines
e
:allowing little or no room for free motion or movement
- a tight connection
- a tight crawl space
- a tight turn
2 a
:strongly fixed or held :secure
- a tight jar lid
- a tight grip on the ladder
b (1)
:not slack or loose :taut
- kept the reins tight
- a tight knot
- a tight drumhead
- a tight stomach
(2)
:marked by unusual tension (as in the face or body)
- lips tight with anger
- a family tight with fear
3 a
:difficult to cope with
- in a tight spot financially
b
:relatively difficult to obtain
- money is tight just now
- a tight job market
c
:not liberal in giving :stingy
- tight with a penny
4
:characterized by little difference in the relative positions of contestants with respect to final outcome :close
- a tight race for mayor
5 a
:characterized by firmness or strictness in control or application or in attention to details
- tight security
- ran a tight newsroom
- keeps a tight hand on her investments
b
:marked by control or discipline in expression or style :having little or no extraneous matter
- tight writing
c
:characterized by a polished style and precise arrangements in music performance
6
:having a close personal or working relationship :intimate
- is tight with the boss
7
:being such that the subject fills the frame
- a tight close-up
8
:somewhat drunk
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tightly
adverb
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