I. ˈtī noun
Etymology: Middle English teg, tye, from Old English tēag; akin to Old Norse taug rope, Old English tēon to pull — more at tow
Date: before 12th century
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
II. verb
( tied ; ty·ing ˈtī-iŋ ; or tie·ing )
Date: before 12th century
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
- tie one on
- tie the knot