transitive verb tied, tying ty′·ing or tieing tie′·ing

1. to fasten, attach, or bind together or to something else, as with string, cord, or rope made secure by knotting, etc. to tie someone's hands, to tie a boat to a pier
2. 1. to draw together or join the parts, ends, or sides of by tightening and knotting laces, strings, etc. to tie one's shoes
   2. to make by fastening together parts to tie fishing flies
3. 1. to make (a knot or bow)
   2. to make a knot or bow in to tie one's necktie
4. to fasten, connect, join, or bind in any way tied by common interests
5. to confine; restrain; restrict
6. 1. to equal the score or achievement of, as in a contest
   2. to equal (a score, record, etc.)
7. Informal to join in marriage
8. Music to connect with a tie

Etymology: ME tien < OE tigan, tegan; akin to teag, a rope: for IE base see tow

intransitive verb

1. to be capable of being tied; make a tie
2. to make an equal score or achievement, as in a contest

noun

1. a string, lace, cord, etc. used to tie things
2. something that connects, binds, or joins; bond; link a business tie, ties of affection
3. something that confines, limits, or restricts legal ties
4. necktie
5. a beam, rod, etc. that holds together parts of a building and strengthens against stress
6. ☆ any of the parallel crossbeams to which the rails of a railroad are fastened
7. 1. an equality of scores, votes, achievement, etc. in a contest
   2. a contest or match in which there is such an equality; draw; stalemate
8. low shoes fastened with laces, as oxfords
9. Music a curved line above or below two notes of the same pitch, indicating that the tone is to be held unbroken for the duration of their combined values

Etymology: ME tege, teige < OE teag, teah, a rope

adjective