straightedge

noun

straight·​edge ˈstrāt-ˌej How to pronounce straightedge (audio)
: a bar or piece of material (as of wood, metal, or plastic) with a straight edge for testing straight lines and surfaces or for cutting along or drawing straight lines

Examples of straightedge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The game of constructing shapes with a compass and straightedge originates in Euclid’s Elements, one of the most important textbooks ever written. Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 12 Sep. 2024 Measure the width of the wallpaper piece with the measuring tape and draw a corresponding pencil line on the wall with the straightedge. Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2024 Once the entire piece has adhered to the wall, use your straightedge and a small utility knife to carefully cut along the baseboard and remove any excess. Match Patterns and Repeat When applying subsequent pieces, line up the wallpaper's pattern to ensure a seamless look. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2023 Guide the router along a straightedge to ensure each dado is perfectly straight and square to the edge. Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 24 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for straightedge 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'straightedge.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of straightedge was in 1769

Dictionary Entries Near straightedge

Cite this Entry

“Straightedge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straightedge. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

straightedge

noun
straight·​edge ˈstrāt-ˌej How to pronounce straightedge (audio)
: a bar or piece of wood, metal, or plastic with a straight edge for testing straight lines and surfaces or for cutting along or drawing straight lines
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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