I. ˈtīt adjective
Etymology: 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
Date: 14th century
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
3. chiefly dialect : capable , competent
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 zoning codes
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
in tight with the boss
9. : being such that the subject fills the frame
filming a tight close-up
• tight·ly adverb
• tight·ness noun
II. adverb
Date: 1680
1. : fast , tightly , firmly
the door was shut tight
2. : in a sound manner : soundly
sleep tight