# untie

/ənˈtaɪ/ (US) · /ʌntˈaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/untie
Updated: 2026-10-20

## Definition

to undo a knot in a piece of string, rope, or a shoelace so that it is no longer fastened.

For teachers: to undo or loosen a knot or something that is fastened with a knot. Transitive — requires a direct object.

## Examples

- I need to untie my shoelaces before taking off my shoes.
- The sailor had to untie the thick rope from the dock before the boat could depart.
- After struggling for several minutes with the frozen cord, he finally managed to untie the bundle and reveal the contents hidden inside.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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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.