string

1 of 3

noun

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
b
: the action of lagging for break in billiards
10
11
strings plural
a
: contingent conditions or obligations
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 adjective

string

2 of 3

verb

strung ˈstrəŋ How to pronounce string (audio) ; stringing ˈstriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce string (audio)

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

string

3 of 3

adjective

: of or relating to stringed musical instruments
the string section
Phrases
on the string
: subject to one's influences

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
Nowadays when a name or title is very long, Koreans will often shorten it by stringing just the first syllables together. Regina Kim, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 And yet, despite the viciousness, many Indigenous peoples survived by stringing their bows like the Chontal Maya, or negotiating a new relationship with Spain like the Tahue of Culiacan. Diego Javier Luis, The Conversation, 2 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 See all Example Sentences for string 

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of string was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near string

Cite this Entry

“String.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/string. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

string

1 of 3 noun
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 How to pronounce string (audio) ; stringing ˈstriŋ-iŋ How to pronounce string (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on string

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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