stripe

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈstrīp How to pronounce stripe (audio)
Synonyms of stripenext
: a stroke or blow with a rod or lash

stripe

2 of 3

verb

striped ˈstrīpt How to pronounce stripe (audio) ; striping

transitive verb

: to make stripes on or variegate with stripes

stripe

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
a
: a line or long narrow section differing in color or texture from parts adjoining
b(1)
: a textile design consisting of lines or bands against a plain background
(2)
: a fabric with a striped design
2
: a narrow strip of braid or embroidery usually in the shape of a bar, arc, or chevron that is worn (as on the sleeve of a military uniform) to indicate rank or length of service
3
: a distinct variety or sort : type
persons of the same political stripe
stripeless
ˈstrī-pləs How to pronounce stripe (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of stripe

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Noun (1)

Verb

Noun (2)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of stripe in a Sentence

Noun (1) the prisoner was sentenced to receive 20 stripes with a bamboo pole Verb the children carefully striped the paper with red and blue paint Noun (2) the United States flag has seven red stripes singers of every stripe will perform at the benefit concert
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Blue and white, gold, mixed with stripes rendered in the brightest hues, polka dots have perked up seasonal summer fashions, especially swimwear, for decades. — Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 July 2026 Yes, leopard spots, tiger stripes, and zebra prints are neutrals—and a very quick way to add a fashion-forward twist to activewear. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 July 2026
Verb
The clip shows Batula, 34, wearing an oversized pink-and-white striped button-down shirt tucked into her denim shorts while grocery shopping. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026 There were pale lime-skinned figs with lemon-yellow insides, mauve figs with strawberry insides, striped with pale-rose. — Angelica Calabrese, Longreads, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stripe

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, welt, long scar, blow, probably from stripe band on a garment

Verb

Middle English, to place bands or edging on (a garment), from Middle Dutch stripan, from stripe, strepe stripe; akin to Middle High German strīfe stripe

Noun (2)

Middle English, band or stripe on a garment, in part from stripen, verb, in part from Middle Dutch stripe

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stripe was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing stripe

Rhymes for stripe

See All Rhymes for stripe

Browse Nearby Words

strip cup
stripe
stripe blight
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stripe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stripe. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stripe

1 of 3 noun
ˈstrīp How to pronounce stripe (audio)
: a stroke or blow with a rod or part of a whip

stripe

2 of 3 verb
striped ˈstrīpt How to pronounce stripe (audio) ; striping
: to make stripes on

stripe

3 of 3 noun
1
: a line or long narrow section differing in color or appearance from the background
2
: a piece of braid (as on the sleeve) to indicate military rank or length of service
stripeless
ˈstrī-pləs How to pronounce stripe (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on stripe

Nglish: Translation of stripe for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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