tend

6 definitions • 10 examples

to be likely to behave in a particular way or have a particular characteristic:

[ + to infinitive ] We tend to get cold winters and warm, dry summers in this part of the country.

to care for something or someone:

He carefully tended his sunflower plants.

The nurse gently tended the patient's cuts and bruises.

to make and serve drinks in a bar or at a party:

She tends bar in a hotel in New York.

We need two helpers - one to clean during and after the party and one to tend bar.

(in some sports) to be the player who stands in a team's goal to try to stop the other team from scoring:

He biked, hiked, and maintained a passion for soccer - he tended goal - well into old age.

For several years he tended goal for the Boston Bruins.

to be likely to happen or to have a particular characteristic or effect:

We tend to eat at home.

Children tend to be like their parents.

to care for something or someone:

He carefully tends his garden all summer.