ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tying

v. · n.
US //ˈtaɪɪŋ// UK //tˈaɪɪŋ// ty·ing
  1. 1 fastening with string (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    the action of making a knot or fastening something with a rope.

    the present participle of 'tie', describing the act of securing or fastening using a cord, rope, or string.

    Example

    He was tying his shoelaces when the bus arrived at the stop.

    Example

    Tying the boat securely to the dock is essential before the storm surge reaches the harbour.
    Pitfall
    He is tieing his shoes.
    He is tying his shoes.

    When adding '-ing' to 'tie', the 'ie' changes to 'y'.

  2. 2 the act of connecting (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of joining or connecting two things together.

    the gerundial use of the verb, functioning as a noun to describe the process of connection or ligature.

    Example

    The tying of the two companies together created a very strong business.

    Example

    The careful tying of these legal clauses ensures that neither party can exit the contract without significant notice.
  3. 3 washing ores (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a way of washing minerals or rocks to separate the valuable parts.

    the process of washing ores in a buddle to separate heavier minerals from lighter waste material.

    Example

    The workers used tying to get the clean tin away from the dirt.

    Example

    Historical records indicate that tying was the preferred method for refining low-grade copper ore in this specific region during the nineteenth century.

    Usage

    Primarily used in historical or traditional mining contexts.
Origin

From Middle English tiȝing, teing, from Old English tīgung, tīging (“connection”), from Proto-Germanic taugungō, from taugijaną from Proto-Indo-European dewk- (“to tug, draw”). Equivalent to tie + -ing. Present participle from Old English tīgende, from tīgan, tīegan.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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Last updated June 20, 2026