Meaning & use
zip ties
Last updated
“zip ties” is a form of “zip tie”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
Thin plastic straps with a locking head, used to fasten things together.
Grammar: Plural noun; use 'a zip tie' for one, and 'a pair of zip ties' is not common.
Patterns
- use zip ties to fasten something
- tie something with zip ties
- a pack of zip ties
He fixed the cables to the wall with zip ties.
We need a few zip ties to keep these wires tidy.
The zip ties were so tight that we had to cut them.
Word forms
| singular | zip tie |
|---|
Common combinations
- plastic zip ties
- The package was held together with plastic zip ties.
- use zip ties
- You can use zip ties to attach the sign to the fence.
- cut a zip tie
- Use scissors to cut the zip tie carefully.
- a pack of zip ties
- I bought a pack of zip ties from the hardware store.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cable ties
- The usual British term for the same thing; 'zip ties' is more common in American English.
- wire ties
- A less common synonym, often used for ties that hold wires together.
Word family
- zip tie noun
- Singular form; one plastic fastening strap.
Commonly confused: zip ties or zip line?
zip ties vs zip line
A zip line is a cable used for sliding down, not a fastening strap.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'zip ties' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Zip ties' are plastic fasteners used to hold things together, so 'hold the cables together' fits. The other options use 'zip ties' with meanings that don't match the word.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “zip ties”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.