# tying

/ˈtaɪɪŋ/ (US) · /tˈaɪɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tying
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. fastening with string

verb · CEFR A2

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

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

- He was tying his shoelaces when the bus arrived at the stop.
- Tying the boat securely to the dock is essential before the storm surge reaches the harbour.

### 2. the act of connecting

noun · CEFR B2

the act of joining or connecting two things together.

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

- The tying of the two companies together created a very strong business.
- The careful tying of these legal clauses ensures that neither party can exit the contract without significant notice.

### 3. washing ores

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

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

## Examples

- He is tying his shoelaces before going for a run.
- The workers spent the morning tying the heavy equipment to the truck to ensure it stayed safe during the move.
- By tying the success of the project to the performance of individual teams, the management hoped to foster a greater sense of collective responsibility among the staff.

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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.