Knot terminology

Parts of a rope

Working end

The end of the rope that is being tied

Bitter end

Same as working end

Standing end

The part of a rope that is not involved in the knot

Bight

The part of a rope between the working and standing ends

Types of knots

Bend

A knot used to tie two ropes together

Hitch

A knot used to tie a rope to a post or ring

Loop knot

A knot that creates a fixed-size loop that does not tighten.

Slipped knot

Any knot that unties when its end is pulled

Stopper knot

A knot that prevents a rope from escaping a block or fairlead

Also see knot terminology on Wikipedia.