tine

1 of 2

noun

ˈtīn 

1

: a slender pointed projecting part : prong

2

: a pointed branch of an antler

tined

ˈtīnd 

adjective

tine

2 of 2

verb

tined ˈtīnd  or tint ˈtint  ; tining ˈtī-niŋ 

transitive verb

dialectal British : lose

intransitive verb

dialectal British : to become lost

Examples of tine in a Sentence

Noun

One of the fork's tines was bent.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The deer was a main-frame 10-pointer with a split main beam, brow tines longer than 12 inches, and a long drop point. — Scott Einsmann, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026

Foremost among Langley’s nine nods is her first-tine nomination for the CMAs’ top prize, entertainer of the year. — Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

The tines are made of premium, durable plastic, and the entire head is 17 inches wide to make quick work of raking. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

Each fat molecule has three fatty acid chains that stick off like tines on a fork from a tiny glycerol molecule. — Literary Hub, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English tind, from Old English; akin to Old High German zint point, tine

Verb

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse tȳna to lose, destroy, tjōn injury, loss — more at teen entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for tine

• brine
• chine
• cline
• dine
• fein
• fine
• gwine
• hine
• jain
• klein
• kline
• line

Kids Definition

tine

noun

ˈtīn

: a slender pointed part : prong

the tines of a fork