Search results for 'tie':

tie verb (tied, tying) 1 to fasten with a string, ribbon or rope, etc. 2 to make (string, ribbon, etc) into a bow or knot, or to make a bow or knot in something. 3 intrans to be fastened with a knot, string or ribbon, etc • a dress that ties at the back. 4 (usually tie with someone) intrans to have the same score or final position as another (competitor or entrant) in a game or contest, etc. 5 (often tie someone down) to limit or restrict the way they lead their life. 6 music a to mark (notes of the same pitch) with a curved line showing that they are to be played as a continuous sound rather than individually; b to play (notes of the same pitch) in this way. noun 1 a narrow strip of material worn, especially by men, round the neck under a shirt collar and tied in a knot or bow at the front. 2 a strip of ribbon, rope, cord or chain, etc for binding and fastening. 3 something that limits or restricts one's freedom. 4 a link or bond • ties of friendship. 5 a a match or competition, etc in which the result is an equal score for both sides; b the score or result achieved. 6 Brit a game or match to be played, especially in a knockout competition • The third round ties were all postponed. 7 a rod or beam holding parts of a structure together. 8 music a curved line above two or more notes of the same pitch showing that they are to be played as a continuous sound rather than individually. 9 N Amer a railway sleeper. tie someone in knots and tie the knot see under knot¹.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon tiegan.