ties; tied; tying
ˈtajɪŋ 
1
a
: to attach (someone or something) to something with a string, rope, etc.
His kidnappers tied him to a chair.
She tied (up) the dog to a post and went into the store.
b
: to pass (something, such as a string, ribbon, or rope) around itself in a way that attaches it to something or holds it in place : to make a knot or bow in (something)
He tied (up) his shoelaces/necktie.
She tied a scarf around her neck.
He tied the ropes together. [=he attached the ropes to each other by tying a knot]
She wrapped a ribbon around the box and tied a bow. [=made a bow]
She tied knots in the rope.
—often + toHe tied the rope to a tree branch.
I tied the dog's leash to a post and went into the store.
—sometimes used figurativelyAt the end of the book, she ties together the separate plots of the story.
c
: to close or hold (something) with a string, rope, etc., that is attached to it or wrapped around it
You need to tie your shoe.
The butcher tied (up) the package with string.
His hands and feet had been tied together.
Tie your hair back (in a ponytail) so it won't fall in your face.
She tied the apron loosely around her waist.
The apron ties (up) in the back.
2
a
: to make the score of a game or contest equal
She tied (up) the score with a late goal.
He can tie (up) the game with a home run.
The team still has a chance to tie.
b
: to end a game, race, etc., with the same score or in the same position as another person or team
He tied for first/second place. [=he and another competitor both finished with the same score in first/second place]
c
: to achieve the same score, time, etc., as (a person, a record, etc.)
I had the lead but he tied me by making a birdie on the last hole.
Her time tied the world record.
He tied the school's record in the high jump.
3
: to connect (someone or something) to another person or thing
—usually used as (be) tied to
He argues that poverty is closely tied to poor health. [=that poverty and poor health are closely related/connected]
The rise in crime has been tied [=linked] to drug dealing.
The rate of production is tied to consumer demand. [=the rate of production depends on consumer demand]
The prices of Web ads are tied to the number of visitors the sites have.
4
: to cause or require (someone) to be somewhere, do something, etc.
He has responsibilities that tie him to this area. [=that prevent him from leaving this area]
—often used as (be) tied toShe was tired of being tied to the same routine. [=of always having the same routine]
He was tied to his desk all day. [=he had to work at his desk all day]
I didn't want to be tied to driving her to work every day.
plural ties
1
: necktie
He was wearing a suit and tie.
You have a spot on your tie.
2
: a piece of string, ribbon, cord, etc., that is used for fastening, joining, or closing something
The pants have a tie at the top.
3
a
: something (such as an idea, interest, experience, or feeling) that is shared by people or groups and that forms a connection between them
—usually plural
family ties
political/economic/cultural ties
the ties of friendship
The company has close ties to conservative groups.
Recent events have strengthened/cemented the ties between our two countries.
She has severed all ties with the company.
The experience loosened the ties that bind (us together).
b
: a responsibility that limits a person's freedom to do other things
He was not ready to accept the ties of family life.
4
a
: the final result of a game, contest, etc., in which two or more people or teams finish with the same number of points, votes, etc.
—usually singular
The game ended in a tie. = The game was a tie. [=both teams/players had the same score at the end of the game]
They played to a 3-3 tie. [=each team/player had 3 points when the game ended]
There was a tie for second place.
b
: a situation in which two or more people or teams have the same number of points, votes, etc., in a game or contest
—usually singular
She broke the tie with a goal in the final seconds of the match.
a tie score
5
US
: one of the heavy pieces of wood to which the rails of a railroad are fastened
called also (British) sleeper
6
British, sports
: a match in a sports competition (such as a soccer or tennis tournament) in which the loser is eliminated
They won the tie in the first round and went on to win the cup.
Cite this Entry
“Tie.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/tie. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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