First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1tally
noun tal·ly \ˈta-lē\
: a recorded count of scores, votes, etc.
: a record of money that has been paid and money that has been received
: a score or point made in a game or sport
plural tallies
Full Definition of TALLY
1
: a device (as a notched rod or mechanical counter) for visibly recording or accounting especially business transactions
2
a : a recorded reckoning or account (as of items or charges) <keep a daily tally of accidents> b : a score or point made (as in a game)
3
a : a part that corresponds to an opposite or companion member : complement b : a state of correspondence or agreement
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Origin of TALLY
Middle English talye, from Anglo-French talie, taille, in part from tailler to cut, measure, count; in part from Medieval Latin tallia, alteration of Latin talea plant cutting, thin piece of wood
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
2tally
verb
: to record and count or calculate (something)
: to agree or match
: to score (a goal, point, etc.) in a game or sport
tal·liedtal·ly·ing
Full Definition of TALLY
transitive verb
1
a : to record on or as if on a tally : tabulate b : to list or check off (as a cargo) by items c : to register (as a score) in a contest
2
: to make a count of : reckon
3
: to cause to correspond
intransitive verb
1
a : to make a tally by or as if by tabulating b : to register a point in a contest : score
2
: correspond, match
See tally defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TALLY
15th century
Related to TALLY
TALLY Defined for Kids
1tally
noun tal·ly \ˈta-lē\
plural tallies
Definition of TALLY for Kids
1
: a recorded count <Has the vote tally been announced yet?>
2
: a score or point made (as in a game)
2tally
verb
tal·liedtal·ly·ing
Definition of TALLY for Kids
1
: to keep a count of
2
: to make a tally : score
3
: to match or agree : correspond
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