tine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Literary, Specialized
Quick answer
What does “tine” mean?
A sharp, projecting point or prong, especially one of the prongs on a fork or a deer's antler.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sharp, projecting point or prong, especially one of the prongs on a fork or a deer's antler.
Any slender, pointed, projecting part; also used figuratively to denote sharp, penetrating intelligence or sensation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Connotes precision, sharpness, and antiquity. In the US, 'tine' is strongly associated with 'fork tines'.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, but slightly more common in American English due to agricultural and dining contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “tine” in a Sentence
[adjective] + tine[object] + with + [number] + tinesthe tine of a/the [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in archaeology (antler tools), biology (zoology), materials science, and agricultural engineering.
Everyday
Mostly used when discussing cutlery (forks) or gardening tools.
Technical
Used in agricultural machinery (harrows, rakes), cutlery design, and antler description.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tine”
- Spelling confusion: 'tyne' (incorrect). Incorrect plural: 'tines' (correct) not 'tine'. Confusion with 'time' in speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it also applies to the points on antlers, rakes, harrows, and other tools with prongs.
It comes from Old English 'tind', meaning 'spike, prong', of Germanic origin.
Historically, yes (to kindle a fire), but this usage is now obsolete. In modern English, it is exclusively a noun.
They are largely synonymous, but 'tine' is more technical and specific to the pointed projections themselves, while 'prong' can be broader.
A sharp, projecting point or prong, especially one of the prongs on a fork or a deer's antler.
Tine is usually technical, literary, specialized in register.
Tine: in British English it is pronounced /taɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /taɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “separate the wheat from the chaff with fine tines (rare, metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a fork's sharp prongs 'tearing in' (tine) to food.
Conceptual Metaphor
POINTEDNESS IS PENETRATION / INTELLIGENCE (figuratively: 'a tine of wit').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common synonym for 'tine' in the context of cutlery?