tightrope
TYT-rohp
Tightrope (noun) means a rope or cable stretched tight, high above the ground, on which acrobats perform balancing feats. Example: “The performer walked across the tightrope without a safety net.”
noun
1
A rope or cable stretched tight, high above the ground, on which acrobats perform balancing feats.
"The performer walked across the tightrope without a safety net."
2
A difficult or precarious situation requiring careful balance.
"The negotiator walked a tightrope between the two angry sides."
How to use tightrope
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tensioned rope for circus balancing acts, or figuratively, a delicate situation.
Common pairings
walk a tightrope
tightrope walker
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Word forms
- Plural
- tightropes
- Third person singular
- tightropes
- Past tense
- tightroped
Fill the gap
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The performer walked across the _____ without a safety net.
Etymology
A combination of "tight" and "rope," describing a rope pulled taut for balancing acts.
Rhymes for tightrope
See all rhymes for tightrope →Frequently asked questions
What does “tightrope” mean?
The word “tightrope” means a rope or cable stretched tight, high above the ground, on which acrobats perform balancing feats. In plain terms, a tensioned rope for circus balancing acts, or figuratively, a delicate situation.
How do you pronounce “tightrope”?
“Tightrope” is pronounced TYT-rohp (/ˈtaɪtˌɹoʊp/ in IPA).
How do you use “tightrope” in a sentence?
Here is “tightrope” used in a sentence: “The performer walked across the tightrope without a safety net.”
What part of speech is “tightrope”?
“Tightrope” is a noun.
How many meanings does “tightrope” have?
“Tightrope” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rope or cable stretched tight, high above the ground, on which acrobats perform balancing feats.
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