rope

¹rope

noun \ˈrōp\

Definition of ROPE

1

a : a large stout cord of strands of fibers or wire twisted or braided together

b : a long slender strip of material used as rope <rawhide rope>

c : a hangman's noose

d : lariat

2

: a row or string consisting of things united by or as if by braiding, twining, or threading

3

plural : special or basic techniques or procedures <show him the ropes>

4

: line drive

— rope·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

— on the ropes

: in a defensive and often helpless position

Examples of ROPE

1. Tie the end of the rope to the post.
2. She made a knot in the rope.
3. a six-foot length of rope
4. We used rope to tie down the furniture in the trailer.
5. The hostages were tied up with rope.
6. The veteran cop showed the rookie the ropes.
7. It will take a few weeks for new employees to learn the ropes.
8. someone who knows the ropes

Origin of ROPE

Middle English, from Old English rāp; akin to Old High German reif hoop

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to ROPE

Synonyms

cable, lace, lacing, line, cord, string, wire

Related Words

guy, halyard, lanyard, stay; bungee cord, whipcord

Near Antonyms

big picture

²rope

verb

ropedrop·ing

Definition of ROPE

transitive verb

1

a : to bind, fasten, or tie with a rope or cord

b : to partition, separate, or divide by a rope <rope off the street>

c : lasso

2

: to draw as if with a rope : lure

intransitive verb

: to take the form of or twist in the manner of rope

— rop·er noun

Examples of ROPE

1. The dog was roped to the fence.
2. The boats were roped together at the dock.
3. Mountain climbers often rope themselves together for safety.
4. He tried to rope the calf.

First Known Use of ROPE

14th century

rope

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Assemblage of fibres, filaments, or wires compacted by twisting or braiding into a long, flexible line. Wire rope is often referred to as cable. The basic requirement for service is that the rope remain firmly compacted and structurally stable, even while being bent, twisted, and pulled. The most important property of a rope is its tensile strength. Because even short fibres can be spun into long flexible yarns, practically any fibre can be made into a rope. Braided ropes deteriorate more slowly than twisted ropes.