Definition of "tally" in English

interjection

1. (radio, aviation) Target sighted.

   • (Air Traffic Control): Speedbird 123, New York, traffic at two o’clock, seven miles, a Boeing 737, west-bound, at 4000 feet.
   • (Pilot): New York, Speedbird 123, tally.

noun

1. Abbreviation of tally stick.

2. (by extension) One of two books, sheets of paper, etc., on which corresponding accounts were kept.

3. (by extension) Any account or score kept by notches or marks, whether on wood or paper, or in a book, especially one kept in duplicate.

4. (archaic) One thing made to suit another; a counterpart or match.

5. A notch, mark, or score made on or in a tally; as, to make or earn a score or tally in a game.

6. A tally shop.

7. A ribbon on a sailor's cap bearing the name of the ship or the (part of) the navy to which they belong.

8. (informal, regional, dated) A state of cohabitation, living with another individual in an intimate relationship outside of marriage.

9. (UK, obsolete) Five dozen bunches of turnips.

verb

1. (transitive) To count something.

2. (transitive) To mathematically calculate a numeric result.

3. (transitive) To record something by making marks.

4. (transitive) To make things correspond or agree with each other.

5. (intransitive) To keep score.

6. (intransitive) To correspond or agree. [with with]

7. (nautical) To check off, as parcels of freight going inboard or outboard.

adverb

1. (obsolete) In a tall way; stoutly; with spirit.