Definition of tie

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tie    (t) KEY 

VERB:
tied, ty·ing  (tng) KEY , ties
VERB:
tr.

1. To fasten or secure with or as if with a cord, rope, or strap: tied the kite to a post; tie up a bundle.
2. To fasten by drawing together the parts or sides and knotting with strings or laces: tied her shoes.
3. 1. To make by fastening ends or parts: tie a knot.
   2. To put a knot or bow in: tie a neck scarf.
4. To confine or restrict as if with cord: duties that tied him to the office.
5. To bring together in relationship; connect or unite: friends who were tied by common interests; people who are tied by blood or marriage.
6. 1. To equal (an opponent or an opponent's score) in a contest.
   2. To equal an opponent's score in (a contest): tied the game with minutes remaining.
7. Music To join (notes) by a tie.

VERB:
intr.

1. To be fastened or attached: The apron ties at the back.
2. To achieve equal scores in a contest.

NOUN:

1. A cord, string, or other means by which something is tied.
2. Something that connects or unites; a link: a blood tie; marital ties.
3. A necktie.
4. A beam or rod that joins parts and gives support.
5. One of the beams, usually made of wood, that are laid across a railroad bed to secure the rails.
6. 1. An equality of scores, votes, or performance in a contest: The election ended in a tie.
   2. A contest so resulting; a draw.
7. Music A curved line above or below two notes of the same pitch, indicating that the tone is to be sustained for their combined duration.

PHRASAL VERBS:
tie in

To bring into or have a close or effective relation; connect or coordinate: two events that do not tie in; tying the movie promotion in with the book sales.

tie into

To attack energetically.

tie up

1. Nautical To secure or be secured to a shore or pier; dock.
2. To impede the progress of; block: The accident tied up traffic.
3. To keep occupied; engage: She was tied up in a meeting all morning. The phone was tied up for an hour.
4. To place (funds) so as to make inaccessible for other uses: tied up her cash in long-term investments.

IDIOMS:
tie one on Slang

To become intoxicated; go on a drinking spree.

tie the knot Slang

1. To get married.
2. To perform a marriage ceremony.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English tien, from Old English tgan; see deuk- in Indo-European roots