straightedge

noun

straight·​edge ˈstrāt-ˌej 

: 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

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

Yacht skippers do this with a compass, log, chart, dividers, a straightedge, and a bit of luck, as do small plane pilots. — New Atlas, 2 Dec. 2025

Plumbing the walls requires a high-quality level and straightedge. — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for straightedge

• allege
• dredge
• edge
• hedge
• ledge
• pledge
• sedge
• sledge
• wedge

Kids Definition

straightedge

noun

straight·​edge ˈstrāt-ˌej 

: 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