tine

1 of 2

noun

ˈtīn 

1

: a slender pointed projecting part : prong

2

: a pointed branch of an antler

tined

ˈtīnd 

adjective

tine

2 of 2

verb

tined ˈtīnd  or tint ˈtint  ; tining ˈtī-niŋ 

transitive verb

dialectal British : lose

intransitive verb

dialectal British : to become lost

Examples of tine in a Sentence

Noun

One of the fork's tines was bent.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Its most prominent feature is the third antler, which looks like an extra brow tine and juts out from his forehead. —Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 4 Dec. 2024

My carpenter friend informs me that the prongs on a rake are also called tines. —Paul Keane, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2024

Like a colander, the tines of the fork will mimic the outcome of a ricer or a food mill. —Mary Claire Britton, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024

Working in batches, if necessary, place the fish and onion on the pan, and cook until grill marks form on the bottom, the onion softens and the fish is no longer translucent and flakes easily under the tines of a fork, 2 to 3 minutes per side for the onion and 3 to 4 minutes per side for the fish. —Ellie Krieger, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English tind, from Old English; akin to Old High German zint point, tine

Verb

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse tȳna to lose, destroy, tjōn injury, loss — more at teen entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

tine

noun

ˈtīn

: a slender pointed part : prong

the tines of a fork