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
The size of our army has fallen by over 20 percent in that past decade and is now smaller than at any tine since the 1930s.—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 Two massive drop tines give it incredible eye appeal.—Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2024 Position the small bowls and plates between the tines, angling them to face down and toward the center of the dishwasher.—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024 Frau Hermann teased at her pastry with her fork tines.—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 Oct. 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
Share