noun
Uncommon
tying
TEYE-ihng
Tying (noun) means the action of fastening something with string, rope, or a knot. Example: “The tying of the boat to the dock took only a moment.”
noun
1
The action of fastening something with string, rope, or a knot.
"The tying of the boat to the dock took only a moment."
"He struggled with the tying of his shoelaces as a toddler."
"The tying of the parcel with string was done carefully by hand."
How to use tying
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of fastening or securing something, usually with a knot.
Common pairings
tying a knot
tying shoelaces
tying the score
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Word forms
- Plural
- tyings
Fill the gap
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The _____ of the boat to the dock took only a moment.
Etymology
The -ing form of "tie," tracing back to an Old English word meaning "to connect."
Related words
Rhymes for tying
See all rhymes for tying →Frequently asked questions
What does “tying” mean?
The word “tying” means the action of fastening something with string, rope, or a knot. In plain terms, the act of fastening or securing something, usually with a knot.
How do you pronounce “tying”?
“Tying” is pronounced TEYE-ihng (/ˈtaɪ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “tying” in a sentence?
Here is “tying” used in a sentence: “The tying of the boat to the dock took only a moment.”
What part of speech is “tying”?
“Tying” is a noun.
Where does the word “tying” come from?
The word “tying” comes from Old English. The -ing form of "tie," tracing back to an Old English word meaning "to connect.".
Is “tying” a common word?
“Tying” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between tying and tie?
Tying is the noun/gerund form describing the action of fastening something with string, rope, or a knot, while tie is the base verb or a separate noun for the fastening itself. Tying is typically used to describe the ongoing act, as in the tying of shoelaces.
Is tying used only for physical fastening, like shoelaces or knots?
Based on its core meaning, tying refers specifically to fastening something with string, rope, or a knot, such as tying a package or tying a bow. Any broader figurative uses build on this literal sense of securing something together.
Is tying sometimes confused with typing?
Yes, tying and typing are commonly confused in quick writing or autocorrect because the words look similar, despite having completely unrelated meanings. Tying involves fastening with string or rope, while typing means entering text on a keyboard.
