tighter; tightest
1
: difficult to move : fastened, attached, or held in a position that is not easy to move
The lid is too tight. I can't loosen it.
She made a tight knot in the rope.
Keep a tight grip/hold on his hand when you cross the street.
2
: fitting very close to your body
tight [=snug] T-shirts
a tight pair of jeans = a pair of tight jeans
These shoes are too tight. [=they are too small]
a tight bandage
3
: flat or firm from being pulled or stretched
a tight wire/string
Pull the ribbon tight and make a bow.
4
: tense or stiff : not relaxed
Her muscles were tight.
His throat/chest felt tight.
a tight smile
She answered in a tight voice.
5
: hard and muscular
an athlete with a tight stomach/body
He has tight abs.
6
: having parts that are very close together
The cat was curled into a tight ball.
a fabric with a tight weave
The swimming goggles should create a tight seal around your eyes.
7
: not having or allowing much room
Space was tight at their first home. [=their first home was small; they did not have much room]
There's a tight space you can crawl through underneath the house.
The tunnel gets pretty tight up ahead.
We got everything into the suitcase, but it was a tight squeeze. [=the suitcase was very full/packed]
8
: not having or allowing much time
We are on a tight schedule.
The project has a very tight deadline.
Time was tight, so we couldn't stay long.
9
: close or equal in score, progress, or ability
It was a very tight race/game.
It was one of the tightest presidential elections in history.
The teams play in a tight division.
10
: not allowing much freedom : strict about controlling what happens
She kept a tight hand on the business. [=she controlled the business in a very strict way]
The mayor put tighter security in place for the concert.
He has people working for him, but he has/keeps a tight rein on every part of the process.
11
: difficult or awkward
You've put me in a tight spot. [=a difficult position]
They were in a tight spot financially. [=they did not have much money; they were having financial problems]
12
a
: low in supply : not easily available
We can't afford a vacation right now because money is tight. [=scarce]
Jobs are tight right now. [=there are not many jobs available right now]
b
—used to describe a situation that is difficult because there is not enough of something
Things have been a little tight [=money has been scarce] since I lost my job.
a tight job market [=a situation in which there are few jobs]
13
informal + usually disapproving
: not giving or spending money freely : stingy or cheap
He's pretty tight with his money.
14
: having a close personal or professional relationship
We've been tight [=very friendly] for a long time.
a tight group of friends
—often + withShe's tight with the boss.
15
: curving or changing direction suddenly
There is a tight [=sharp] bend in the road up ahead.
Make a tight right turn at the traffic light.
16
informal + old-fashioned
: very drunk
getting tight at a bar
: in a tight way
Hold on tight.
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.
Cite this Entry
“Tight.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/tight. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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