I. ˈtī-dē adjective
( ti·di·er ; -est )
Etymology: Middle English, timely, in good condition, from tide time
Date: 13th century
1. : properly filled out : plump
2. : adequately satisfactory : acceptable , fair
a tidy solution to their problem
3.
a. : neat and orderly in appearance or habits : well ordered and cared for
b. : methodical , precise
a tidy mind
4. : large , substantial
a tidy profit
• ti·di·ly ˈtī-də-lē adverb
• ti·di·ness ˈtī-dē-nəs noun
II. verb
( ti·died ; ti·dy·ing )
Date: 1821
transitive verb
: to put in order
tidy up a room
intransitive verb
: to make things tidy
tidy ing up after supper
• ti·di·er noun
III. noun
( plural tidies )
Date: circa 1828
1. : a usually compartmentalized receptacle for various small objects
2. : a piece of fancywork used to protect the back, arms, or headrest of a chair or sofa from wear or soil