First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1tight
adjective \ˈtīt\
: difficult to move : fastened, attached, or held in a position that is not easy to move
: fitting very close to your body
: flat or firm from being pulled or stretched
Full 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> — compare lightproof, watertight c : fitting very close to the body <tight jeans>; also : too snug <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>; also : having a small radius <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>; also : marked by firmness and muscle tone <a tight stomach> (2) : marked by unusual tension (as in the face or body) <lips tight with anger> <a family tight with fear>
4
a : difficult to cope with <in a tight spot financially> b : relatively difficult to obtain <money is tight just now>; also : characterized by such difficulty <a tight job market> c : not liberal in giving : stingy <tight with a penny>
5
: characterized by little difference in the relative positions of contestants with respect to final outcome : close <a tight race for mayor>
6
: somewhat drunk
7
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
8
: having a close personal or working relationship : intimate <is tight with the boss>
9
: being such that the subject fills the frame <a tight close-up>
— tight·ly adverb
— tight·ness noun
See tight defined for English-language learners
See tight defined for kids
Origin of TIGHT
Middle English tiht, thyht dense, solid, watertight, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse thēttr tight; akin to Middle High German dīhte thick, Sanskrit tanakti it causes to coagulate
Related to TIGHT
- Synonyms
- impenetrable, impermeable, impervious
- Antonyms
- penetrable, permeable, pervious
2tight
adverb
: in a tight way
Full Definition of TIGHT
2
: in a sound manner : soundly <sleep tight>
See tight defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TIGHT
1680
TIGHT Defined for Kids
1tight
adjective \ˈtīt\
tight·ertight·est
Definition of TIGHT for Kids
1
: very closely packed or compressed <a tight bundle> <a tight fist>
2
: fixed or held very firmly in place <a tight jar cover>
3
: fitting too closely <tight shoes>
4
: firmly stretched or drawn : taut <Pull the rope until it's tight.>
5
: difficult to get through or out of <I'm in a tight spot.>
6
: firm in control <She keeps a tight hand on affairs.>
7
: stingy 1
8
: low in supply : scarce <Money is tight until I get paid.>
9
: painfully or uncomfortably tense <a tight throat>
10
: barely allowing enough time <a tight schedule>
— tight·ly adverb
— tight·ness noun
2tight
adverb
Definition of TIGHT for Kids
1
: in a firm, secure, or close manner <Shut the door tight.> <Hold on tight.>
2
: in a deep and uninterrupted manner : soundly <Sleep tight.>
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