1 B2 neutral
To close or secure the end of something by tying a knot, especially thread, sutures, or a medical tube.
"The surgeon carefully tied off the blood vessel before closing the wound."
separable
tie off
B2 neutral separable transitive
To secure the end of something — such as a thread, tube, or blood vessel — by tying a knot.
In plain English
To put a knot at the end of something to stop it from coming loose or to close it off.
What does "tie off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To finish a knitting, sewing, or craft project by securing the final stitch or thread.
"Once you've finished the last row, tie off the yarn and weave in the loose end."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fasten the end of something by tying it — transparent.
Actually means
To put a knot at the end of something to stop it from coming loose or to close it off.
Usage tip
Commonly used in medical contexts (surgery, wound care), sewing, and crafts. In medicine, it refers to ligating a blood vessel or suture. In sewing, it means securing the final stitch. Can also be used informally to mean finishing or wrapping up something.
Words that pair with "tie off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stitch suture thread vessel cord rope
How to conjugate "tie off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tie off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ties off
he/she/it
Past simple
tied off
yesterday
Past participle
tied off
have + pp
-ing form
tiing off
continuous
Hear "tie off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "tie off"
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Keep exploring
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