tether
3 synonyms for tether, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A rope or chain that keeps an animal or object within a limited range while still allowing some movement.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use tether
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
at the end of one's tether
tether a phone
tethered to the dock
Etymology
From Old English or Old Norse roots meaning "rope" or "cord", ultimately traced back to an ancient root meaning "to tie" or "to pull".
Full origin of tether →Frequently asked questions
What does “tether” mean?
The word “tether” means a rope or chain that keeps an animal or object within a limited range while still allowing some movement. In plain terms, a rope that limits how far something can move, or figuratively, the point where someone runs out of patience — also used for sharing a phone's internet connection.
How do you pronounce “tether”?
“Tether” is pronounced TEH-thuh (/ˈtɛðəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “tether” in a sentence?
Here is “tether” used in a sentence: “The goat grazed at the end of its tether.”
What is another word for “tether”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tether” include hobble.
What part of speech is “tether”?
Depending on how it is used, “tether” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “tether” come from?
The word “tether” comes from Old English. From Old English or Old Norse roots meaning "rope" or "cord", ultimately traced back to an ancient root meaning "to tie" or "to pull".
How many meanings does “tether” have?
“Tether” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rope or chain that keeps an animal or object within a limited range while still allowing some movement.
