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tie

n. · v.
US //ˈtaɪ// UK //tˈaɪ// tie
  1. 1 clothing (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a long piece of cloth that you wear around your neck under a shirt collar.

    a necktie; a decorative strip of fabric worn around the neck and knotted at the throat.

    Example

    He had to wear a suit and a tie for the job interview.

    Example

    The dress code for the gala requires a black tie, though many guests opt for more creative interpretations of formal wear.
    • necktie
  2. 2 connection (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a strong connection or relationship between people, groups, or countries.

    a strong emotional, social, or political connection between entities.

    Example

    The two countries have strong trade ties that go back many years.

    Example

    Despite living abroad for decades, she maintained close family ties through weekly video calls and annual visits to her hometown.
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  1. 3 equal score (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    a situation in a game or competition where two people or teams have the same score.

    a state of parity in a competition where two or more participants achieve the same numerical result.

    Example

    The game ended in a tie, so they had to play for ten more minutes.

    Example

    The championship concluded in a three-way tie, forcing the officials to consult the rulebook for a tie-breaking procedure.
  2. 4 music notation (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Music

    a curved line that joins two musical notes of the same pitch to show they should be played as one long note.

    a curved line connecting two notes of identical pitch, indicating they are to be played as a single sustained duration.

    Example

    The tie across the bar line means you hold the note into the next measure.

    Example

    The composer used a tie to extend the final chord across three measures, creating a sense of fading resonance.

  3. 5 to fasten with string (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to fasten or join things together using string, rope, or a similar material.

    to secure or fasten by means of a cord, rope, or strap, typically by forming a knot.

    Example

    Make sure you tie your shoelaces so you do not trip.

    Example

    The sailors had to tie the cargo down securely before the storm reached the harbour.
  4. 6 to reach an equal score (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    to get the same score as someone else in a game or competition.

    to achieve the same score or ranking as an opponent in a competitive context.

    Example

    If they score one more goal, they will tie the game.

    Example

    The underdog managed to tie the score in the final seconds of the match, stunning the home crowd.
Etymology 1

From Middle English teye (“cord, chain”), from Old English tēag, tēah (“cord, chain”), from Proto-West Germanic taugu, from Proto-Germanic taugō, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *dewk-. Compare Danish tov, Icelandic taug.

Etymology 2

From Middle English teien, teiȝen, from Old English tīġan, tīeġan, from Proto-West Germanic taugijan, from Proto-Germanic taugijaną, from Proto-Indo-European *dewk- (“to tug, draw”). Cognate with Icelandic teygja.

Word family
Idioms11 entries

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