tine

1 of 2

noun

1
: a slender pointed projecting part : prong
2
: a pointed branch of an antler
tined adjective

tine

2 of 2

verb

tined ˈtīnd How to pronounce tine (audio) or tint ˈtint How to pronounce tine (audio) ; tining ˈtī-niŋ How to pronounce tine (audio)

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Use a bow rake, with forged metal tines, to grade and smooth the terrain. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 15 Feb. 2025 If the rake tines or hoe or shovel blade are up and then stepped upon, there is a potential danger of injury. The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025 The buck has wide bases and massive beams, with distinctive curls to the end of many of its tines. Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 29 Jan. 2025 Examples include kickers, stickers, drop tines, and other unique antler points. Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 19 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for tine

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tine was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Tine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tine. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

tine

noun
ˈtīn
: a slender pointed part : prong
the tines of a fork

More from Merriam-Webster on tine

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