tidy

American  

[tahy-dee] / ˈtaɪ di /

adjective

tidier, tidiest

1. neat, orderly, or trim, as in appearance or dress.

   a tidy room;

   a tidy person.

   Antonyms:

   sloppy, messy

2. clearly organized and systematic.

   a tidy mind;

   a tidy way of working.

3. tolerably good; acceptable.

   They worked out a tidy arrangement agreeable to all.

4. fairly large; considerable.

   a tidy sum.

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verb (used with or without object)

tidied, tidying

1. to make tidy or neat (often followed byup ).

noun

tidies plural

1. any of various articles for keeping things tidy, as a box having small drawers and compartments.

2. an antimacassar.

tidy British  

/ ˈtaɪdɪ /

adjective

1. characterized by or indicating neatness and order

2. informal considerable

   a tidy sum of money

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verb

1. to put (things) in order; neaten

noun

1. 1. a small container in which odds and ends are kept

   2. a container with holes in the bottom, kept in the sink to retain rubbish that might clog the plug hole

2. an ornamental protective covering for the back or arms of a chair

Other Word Forms

• tidily
  adverb
• tidiness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of tidy

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English tidi, tidy “seasonable,” hence “good”; cognate with Dutch tijdig; equivalent to tide ¹ + -y ¹

Explanation

Use the adjective tidy for something that is neat and clean. If your desk were more tidy, you would be able to find your computer. Tidy (or tidy up) also means “to clean up” and is also a noun for a container for small objects, like scraps or sewing materials. These senses of tidy have a formal or even old-fashioned note. (We’re more likely to say clean, organize, or bin now in everyday conversation.) Tidy is also an informal adjective meaning "large or considerable." If you can put the word tidy before your profit or the sum in your bank account, it’s a good thing.

Example Sentences

"It's the cost that we're paying as taxpayers to tidy this stuff up – we spend about £3m across Wales tackling roadside litter," Derbyshire added.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

As sensible as that interpretation sounds, Mr. Sutton’s ability to put disparate Christian expressions into tidy categories wears thin over the course of 500 pages.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

If I’m reading my wildflowers handbook right, these were tidy tips, Goldfields, Owl’s Clover, thistle sage, Valley Larkspur, coreopsis, phacelia and hillside daisies.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

“The Drama” is not a tidy film from any angle.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

“Help your brother and sister tidy up. There’s a good boy.”

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Related Words

• orderly
• sleek
• snug
• well-kept