The meaning of TIGHTEN is to make tight or tighter. How to use tighten in a sentence.

TIGHTEN meaning: 1. to become tighter or to make something become tighter, firmer, or less easy to move: 2. to…. Learn more.

TIGHTEN definition: to make or become tight or tighter. See examples of tighten used in a sentence.

Dec 14, 2025 · tighten (third-person singular simple present tightens, present participle tightening, simple past and past participle tightened) (transitive) To make tighter. quotations

Idioms tighten one's belt, to respond to difficult times by reducing one's spending: The family had to tighten their belts so the children could go to college. tight•en•er, n. [countable]

1. fitting very or too closely.

Definition of tighten verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

When you tighten a screw, nut, or other device, you turn it or move it so that it is more firmly in place or holds something more firmly. I used my thumbnail to tighten the screw on my lamp.

TIGHTEN meaning: 1 : to make (something) tight or tighter or to become tight or tighter; 2 : to become more strict or effective or to make (something) more strict or effective

To tighten something is to draw it snug or squeeze it. Your cousin's crazy driving may cause you to tighten your seatbelt and close your eyes. You can tighten things literally, the way you …