# tethered

/ˈtɛðɝd/ (US) · /tˈɛðəd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tethered
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to connect a device to a power source or a network using a physical cable. You use this when you want to describe a phone or computer that is not using a battery but is connected to a wall.

For teachers: to connect a device to a power source or network via a physical cable. Often used in the passive voice to describe the state of a device being physically linked to a fixed point.

## Examples

- I tethered my phone to my laptop to share the internet.
- The technician tethered the drone to the ground station to ensure it remained within the safe operating range.
- By tethering the portable monitor to the main server, the team ensured that all data remained synchronized in real-time without relying on a wireless connection.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.