What does tie mean?
Tie is a versatile English word used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, its most common modern meaning is an equal score or ranking in a competition; it can also refer to a strip of fabric worn at the neck or to a relationship connecting people, institutions, or ideas. As a verb, tie means to fasten something securely, as when tying a knot or tying a boat to a dock. It can also mean to equal another result, connect two things, or restrict movement or resources, as in tied up in work. The word is neutral in style and common in everyday speech, formal writing, sport, and everyday speech, although draw is often preferred for an equal contest score in British usage. Its range of meanings makes it especially useful when describing both physical connections and figurative ones: a tie can hold two pieces of material together, link two people, or leave two competitors level. The verb also commonly appears in expressions such as tie a knot, tie the score, tie for first, and tie up.
An equal score or ranking in a contest; a strip of fabric worn around the neck; or a bond or connection between people or things.
"The race ended in a tie, leaving both finalists sharing the championship."
In British English, draw is often the more usual term for an equal contest result.
To fasten or secure something, connect two things, produce an equal score, or restrict movement or resources.
"They tied the score in the final minute of the game."
Tie up can mean to restrict activity or make resources unavailable, as well as to fasten something securely.
Ties is the standard plural noun form; it is also pronounced and written identically to the third-person singular form of the verb.
"The finalists remained neck and neck until the last of the three ties."
The sporting sense of tie comes from competitors being tied in rank: two results so close that neither pulls ahead.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tie come from?
The verb descends from Old English tīgan, meaning “to fasten” or “bind.” English tight and its derivatives belong to the same etymological family, with tight originally associated with being tied or secured firmly. The noun meaning a band or restraint developed from the act of tying, while the sporting sense arose later from the idea of competitors being tied in rank.
Related word forms
How tie is actually used
Tie is neutral in register and widely used in British and American English, although draw is often preferred for an equal contest score in British usage. In the phrase tie up, the verb can imply deliberate restriction, as in tying up funds or tying up an employee.
Easily confused with tie
Tie is pronounced /taɪ/ and means to fasten or to draw a contest, whereas tea is pronounced /tiː/ and denotes a beverage.