transitive verb tied, tying or tieing

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

Origin: 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

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

adjective