ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tied

adj.
US //ˈtaɪd// UK //tˈaɪd// tied
  1. 1 connected or linked (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    closely connected or related to something else.

    closely associated or linked, often implying that the fate or status of one thing depends on the other.

    Example

    The value of the local currency is tied to the price of oil.

    Example

    The success of the regional economy is inextricably tied to the performance of the manufacturing sector over the next decade.

  2. 2 equal score (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    having the same score or result at the end of a game or contest.

    describing a competition or score where two or more participants have achieved the same result.

    Example

    The two teams were tied at the end of the second half.

    Example

    After a grueling ninety minutes, the match remained tied, forcing the teams into a high-stakes penalty shootout.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 restricted or conditional (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    limited by certain rules or conditions.

    subject to specific restrictions or conditions, often in a legal, financial, or employment context.

    Example

    The government provided aid, but it was tied to specific environmental goals.

    Example

    The grant money is tied to strict reporting requirements, meaning the researchers must submit monthly updates to keep their funding.

  2. 4 employment-linked housing (adj.)
    C1 Advanced British English

    describing a house or flat provided by an employer for as long as you work for them.

    referring to accommodation provided by an employer as a condition of employment, typically vacated if the job ends.

    Example

    The farm worker lived in a tied cottage on the owner's land.

    Example

    Living in tied accommodation can be stressful, as losing one's job simultaneously results in the loss of one's home.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'tied cottage' or 'tied accommodation'.

Idioms3 entries

© 2026 English Reference