pinstripe

noun

pin·​stripe ˈpin-ˌstrīp 

variants or less commonly pin-stripe or pin stripe

plural pinstripes also pin-stripes or pin stripes

1

: a very thin stripe especially on a fabric

… sporting a loose brown vest with tan and blue pinstripes …

—Donnell Alexander

—often used before another noun

pinstripe pants

a pin-stripe blazer

2

: clothing (especially a suit) with such stripes

—often plural

wore pinstripes to the office

pin-striped

ˈpin-ˌstrīpt 

adjective

or pinstriped

pin-striped pants

Examples of pinstripe in a Sentence

a dark suit with white pinstripes

a man dressed in pinstripes

Recent Examples on the Web

The Row’s antique lace cardigan over a relaxed camisole and drawstring pinstripe pants is a good example (look 24) — a simple base paired with an exquisite lace piece. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026

The upcoming free agent potentially put on the pinstripes for the last time in Game 3 of the ALDS as the Tampa Bay Rays swept the Yankees out of the playoffs. — James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

The singer modeled a pinstripe suit white blue shirt and skinny black-and-white polka dot ascot. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

When basics — pinstripes, polka dots, gingham and army green — inflate and explode into palatial forms, expelling feathers and brocade. — Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pinstripe

• bagpipe
• blowpipe
• standpipe
• stovepipe
• subtype
• tailpipe
• unripe
• windpipe
• allotype
• antitype
• archetype
• biotype

Kids Definition

pinstripe

noun

pin·​stripe ˈpin-ˌstrīp 

: a very thin stripe on a fabric

also : a suit with such stripes

pin-striped

-ˌstrīpt

adjective