First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1tie
noun \ˈtī\
: a piece of string, ribbon, cord, etc., that is used for fastening, joining, or closing something
: something (such as an idea, interest, experience, or feeling) that is shared by people or groups and that forms a connection between them
: a responsibility that limits a person's freedom to do other things
Full Definition of TIE
1
a : a line, ribbon, or cord used for fastening, uniting, or drawing something closed; especially : shoelace b (1) : a structural element (as a rod or angle iron) holding two pieces together : a tension member in a construction (2) : any of the transverse supports to which railroad rails are fastened to keep them in line
2
: something that serves as a connecting link: as a : a moral or legal obligation to someone or something typically constituting a restraining power, influence, or duty b : a bond of kinship or affection
3
: a curved line that joins two musical notes of the same pitch to denote a single tone sustained through the time value of the two
4
a : an equality in number (as of votes or scores) b : equality in a contest; also : a contest that ends in a draw
5
: a method or style of tying or knotting
6
: something that is knotted or is to be knotted when worn: as a : necktie b : a low laced shoe : oxford
— tie·less \-ləs\ adjective
See tie defined for English-language learners
See tie defined for kids
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Origin of TIE
Middle English teg, tye, from Old English tēag; akin to Old Norse taug rope, Old English tēon to pull — more at tow
Other Railroad Terms
2tie
verb
: to attach (someone or something) to something with a string, rope, etc.
: 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)
: to close or hold (something) with a string, rope, etc., that is attached to it or wrapped around it
tiedty·ing \ˈtī-iŋ\ or tie·ing
Full Definition of TIE
transitive verb
1
a : to fasten, attach, or close by means of a tie b : to form a knot or bow in <tie your scarf> c : to make by tying constituent elements <tied a wreath> <tie a fishing fly>
2
a : to place or establish in relationship : connect b : to unite in marriage c : to unite (musical notes) by a tie d : to join (power systems) electrically
3
: to restrain from independence or freedom of action or choice : constrain by or as if by authority, influence, agreement, or obligation
4
a (1) : to make or have an equal score with in a contest (2) : to equalize (the score) in a game or contest (3) : to equalize the score of (a game) b : to provide or offer something equal to : equal
intransitive verb
: to make a tie: as a : to make a bond or connection b : to make an equal score c : to become attached d : to close by means of a tie
— tie into
: to attack with vigor
— tie one on
slang
: to get drunk
— tie the knot
: to perform a marriage ceremony; also : to get married
See tie defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TIE
before 12th century
TIED Defined for Kids
1tie
noun \ˈtī\
Definition of TIE for Kids
1
: necktie
2
: an equality in number (as of votes or scores) <The game ended in a tie.>
3
: a contest that ends with an equal score <They finished the season with six wins and two ties.>
4
: one of the cross supports to which railroad rails are fastened
5
: a connecting link : bond <family ties>
6
: a line, ribbon, or cord used for fastening, joining, or closing
7
: a part (as a beam or rod) holding two pieces together
2tie
verb
tiedty·ing \ˈtī-iŋ\ or tie·ing
Definition of TIE for Kids
1
: to fasten, attach, or close by means of a tie
2
: to form a knot or bow in
3
: to bring together firmly : unite <They are tied by marriage.>
4
: to hold back from freedom of action <Obligations tied her down.>
5
: to make or have an equal score with in a contest
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