string

1 of 3

noun

ˈstriŋ 

1

a

: a cord usually used to bind, fasten, or tie

—often used attributively

a string bag

b

: something that resembles a string

garnished with potato strings

2

a

archaic : a cord (such as a tendon or ligament) of an animal body

b

: a plant fiber (such as a leaf vein)

3

a

: the gut, wire, or nylon cord of a musical instrument

b strings plural

(1)

: the stringed instruments of an orchestra

(2)

: the players of such instruments

4

: the gut, wire, or cord of a racket or shooting bow

5

a

: a group of objects threaded on a string

a string of fish

a string of pearls

b(1)

: a series of things arranged in or as if in a line

a string of cars

a string of names

(2)

: a sequence of like items (such as bits, characters, or words)

c

: a group of business properties scattered geographically

a string of newspapers

d

: the animals and especially horses belonging to or used by one individual

6

a

: a means of recourse : expedient

b

: a group of players ranked according to skill or proficiency

7

: succession sense 3a

a string of successes

8

: one of the inclined sides of a stair supporting the treads and risers

9

a

: balkline sense 1

b

: the action of lagging for break in billiards

10

: line sense 13

11

strings plural

a

: contingent conditions or obligations

b

: control, domination

12

: a hypothetical one-dimensional object that is infinitely thin but has a length of 10⁻³³ centimeters, that vibrates as it moves through space, and whose mode of vibration manifests itself as a subatomic particle

stringless

ˈstriŋ-ləs 

adjective

string

2 of 3

verb

strung ˈstrəŋ  ; stringing ˈstriŋ-iŋ 

transitive verb

1

a

: to equip with strings

b

: to tune the strings of

2

: to make tense : key up

3

a

: to thread on or as if on a string

b

: to thread with objects

c

: to tie, hang, or fasten with string

d

: to put together (words, ideas, etc.) like objects threaded on a string

strung her thoughts together

4

: to hang by the neck

—used with up

5

: to remove the strings of

string beans

6

a

: to extend or stretch like a string

string wires from tree to tree

b

: to set out in a line or series

—often used with out

intransitive verb

1

: to move, progress, or lie in a string

2

: to form into strings

3

: lag sense 3

string

3 of 3

adjective

: of or relating to stringed musical instruments

the string section

Phrases

on the string

: subject to one's influences

Synonyms

Noun

• cable
• cord
• lace
• lacing
• line
• rope
• wire

Verb

• concatenate
• thread

Examples of string in a Sentence

Noun

She tied a string around the boxes.

He tied the packages together with string.

Verb

We strung popcorn garlands for the Christmas tree.

They strung wires from tree to tree.

Scouts strung lanterns along the trail.

She strung the key around her neck.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The proposal follows a string of other tax cuts put forward by Trump, including the removal of taxes on car-loan payments, social security benefits and servers' tips. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2024

Watch on Deadline This news follows a string of legal issues Bryan has faced across several years, including an arrest for a domestic violence charge last year. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2024

Verb

Pre-lit trees come with lights that are already strung, saving you more time and effort. —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024

The cherry limeade ale comes in a can whose multicolor design features a sparkling disco ball, a pair of purple hands in the shape of a heart and a description of the beer spelled out on beads strung in the style of friendship bracelets. —Bradley Hohulin, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Oct. 2024

Adjective

This pretty purple drink had a string hibiscus flavor that was sweetened up by fresh lemon juice, topped with a violet orchid. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2024

Chambers’ short answer is mainly string — guitar, violin, bass and cello. —Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English streng; akin to Old High German strang rope, Latin stringere to bind tight — more at strain

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing string

• apron string
• cosmic string
• first-string
• G-string
• have more than one string to one's bow
• have (someone) on a string
• how long is a piece of string
• pull the string
• second-string
• string along
• string along with (someone or something)
• string bass
• string bean
• string bikini
• string cheese
• string line
• string quartet
• string theory
• string tie
• string together
• string trimmer
• string up
• the string section

Kids Definition

string

1 of 3 noun

ˈstriŋ 

1

: a cord usually used to fasten or tie

2

: a thin tough plant structure (as the fiber connecting the halves of a bean pod)

3

a

: the gut, wire, or nylon cord of a musical instrument that is plucked, bowed, or struck to produce a sound

b

plural : the stringed instruments of an orchestra

4

: the gut, wire, or cord of a racket or shooting bow

5

a

: a group of objects threaded on a string

a string of pearls

b

: a series of things arranged in or as if in a line

a string of automobiles

c

: a series of like items (as units of information, marks, or words)

d

: the animals and especially horses belonging to or used by one individual

6

: any of several squads of players on a team that are grouped together according to skill

the second string of a football team

7

: a series in time : succession, sequence

8

plural : requirements or obligations connected with something

an agreement with no strings attached

string

2 of 3 verb

strung ˈstrəŋ  ; stringing ˈstriŋ-iŋ 

1

: to equip (as a tennis racket) with strings

2

a

: to thread on or as if on a string

string beads

b

: to tie, hang, or fasten with string

3

: to hang by the neck

strung up from a high tree

4

: to remove the strings of

string beans

5

a

: to extend or stretch like a string

string wires from tree to tree

b

: to set out in a line or series

string

3 of 3 adjective

: of or relating to stringed musical instruments

the string section of an orchestra