tight

adjective
UK: /taɪt/
US: /taɪt/

  1. Fixed or fastened firmly; difficult to move, open, or separate.

    1. This lid is on too tight, I can't open it myself at all [ ] [ ]
    2. Make sure the screws are tight so the shelf doesn't collapse under the weight of the books [ ] [ ]

  2. Closely fitted; fitting the body very closely.

    1. These jeans are too tight, I can't even sit down properly [ ] [ ]
    2. She wore a tight dress that showed off her figure at the party last night [ ] [ ]

  3. Controlled or limited; allowing little freedom or movement.

    1. The government has imposed tight restrictions on immigration in recent years [ ] [ ]
    2. With a tight budget, we need to carefully consider every expense we incur during the project [ ] [ ]

  4. Mean or unwilling to spend money.

    1. He's so tight, he never offers to buy anyone a drink at the bar [ ] [ ]
    2. Don't be so tight, it's your birthday, treat yourself and your friends a little bit [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

tense mean taut strict difficult close stingy skint firm
tight adverb

  1. In a firmly or closely fitting manner.

    1. Close the door tight so the cat won't escape to the yard [ ] [ ]
    2. She held on tight as the roller coaster climbed the steep slope before the first drop [ ] [ ]
tight verb

  1. To make something more difficult to move, open, or separate; fasten firmly.

    1. Tighten the screws on the bike before you ride it [ ] [ ]
    2. He needed to tighten his grip on the rope to prevent himself from falling completely [ ] [ ]

  2. To become controlled or limited.

    1. Security will tighten at the airport after the recent terrorist attack [ ] [ ]
    2. The job market will tighten, making it more challenging for graduates to find employment opportunities [ ] [ ]
tight idiom

  1. Used to tell someone to hold something firmly.

    1. Hold tight, we're about to go over a bump [ ] [ ]
    2. Hang on tight during the ride, as there will be some sudden turns and drops ahead [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "tight" in English means: Fixed or fastened firmly; difficult to move, open, or separate., Closely fitted; fitting the body very closely., Controlled or limited; allowing little freedom or movement., Mean or unwilling to spend money..

The phonetic transcription of "tight" is /taɪt/ in British English and /taɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "tight": tense, mean, taut, strict, difficult, close, stingy, skint, firm.

Example usage of "tight": "This lid is on too tight, I can't open it myself at all". More examples on the page.