Definition of: tie

(tī) v. tied, ty·ing v.t.
1. To fasten with cord, rope, etc., the ends of which are then drawn into a knot.
2. To draw the parts of together or into place by a cord or band fastened with a knot: to tie one's shoes.
3. To form (a knot).
4. To form a knot in, as string.
5. To fasten, attach, or join in any way.
6. To restrain or confine; restrict; bind.
7 a To equal (a competitor) in score or achievement. b To equal (a competitor's score).
8. Colloq. To unite in marriage.
9. Music To unite by a tie.
—v.i.
10. To make a tie or connection.
11. To make the same score; be equal. See synonyms under BIND.
—to tie down To hinder; restrict.
—to tie up
1. To fasten with rope, string, etc.
2. To wrap, as with paper, and then fasten with string, cord, etc.
3. To moor (a vessel).
4. To block; hinder.
5. To have or be already committed, in use, etc., so as to be unavailable.
—noun
1. A flexible bond or fastening secured by drawing the ends into a knot or loop.
2. Any bond or obligation, mental, moral, or legal: ties of affection.
3. An exact equality in number, as of a score, votes, etc.; hence, a contest which neither side wins; a draw.
4. Something that is tied or intended for tying, as a shoelace, necktie, or the like.
5. Engin. A structural member fastening parts together and receiving tensile stress: distinguished from a strut.
6. Music A curved line placed over or under two musical notes of the same pitch on the staff to make them represent one tone length.
7. plural Low shoes fastened with lacings: Oxford ties.
8. One of a set of timbers laid crosswise on the ground as supports for railroad tracks. [OE tīgan bind <tēah, tēag a rope]