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

Many economists and Fed watchers expect the central bank to lower short term interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point Thursday — the second rate cut in what's projected to be a string of rate reductions in the next year or so. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024

This new compilation is the latest in a quick string of successes that have all reached the list in only the past few months. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Verb

Along its length were strung a system of hydrophones and other sensors. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024

My dad is this like calm, sweet, empathetic man and Happy is a little bit high strung. —Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 26 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