Definition of straight
1a : free from curves, bends, angles, or irregularities straight hair straight timberb : generated by a point moving continuously in the same direction and expressed by a linear equation a straight line the straight segment of a curve
2a : lying along or holding to a direct or proper course or method a straight thinkerb : candid, frank a straight answerc : coming directly from a trustworthy source a straight tip on the horsesd (1) : having the elements in an order the straight sequence of events (2) : consecutive 12 straight dayse : having the cylinders arranged in a single straight line a straight 8-cylinder enginef : plumb, vertical the picture isn't quite straight
3a : exhibiting honesty and fairness straight dealingb : properly ordered or arranged set the kitchen straight set us straight on that issue; also : correct get the facts straightc : free from extraneous matter : unmixed straight whiskeyd : marked by no exceptions or deviations in support of a principle or party votes a straight Democratic tickete : having a fixed price for each regardless of the number soldf : not deviating from an indicated pattern writes straight humor a straight-A studentg (1) : exhibiting no deviation from what is established or accepted as usual, normal, or proper : conventional; also : square 5f (2) : not using or under the influence of drugs or alcoholh : heterosexual
4 : being the only form of remuneration on straight commission
straightly
adverbstraightness
nounPeople Are Reading
Examples of straight in a Sentence
She has long, straight hair.
The flagpole is perfectly straight.
The picture isn't quite straight.
We sat in the airport for five straight hours.
Recent Examples of straight from the Web
-
The CBO estimates that a straight repeal would result in 32m more uninsured by 2026, as well as leading to skyrocketing premiums.
-
NEW YORK — Staked to an early lead, Jacob deGrom pitched into the seventh inning and won his career-best seventh straight start as the Mets beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-3 on Wednesday.
-
In 2016, for the second straight year, eight SEC teams completed fewer than 59 percent of their passes, while just two SEC teams -- Ole Miss (13th) and Missouri (20th) -- ranked in the top 25 nationally in passing.
-
President Trump has endorsed the idea, however, of a straight-forward repeal.
-
At short range, this works like a shotgun, but the umbrella portion can be held up as a defensive shield or launched in a long, straight line to spread a line of paint and pester distant foes.
-
Cover and insert sticks (waiting until liquid is slushy ensures straight sticks), then freeze ice pops until solid, at least 4 hours but preferably 12 hours.
-
South Korean shipments abroad, a useful indicator of global demand, expanded almost 14 percent in June from a year earlier, an eighth straight month of gains.
-
Lucas Reilly | Mental Floss | June 30, 2017 | 27 minutes (6,823 words) Hopkinsville sits 11 miles from where the sun, moon, and earth will form a straight line during this summer’s total solar eclipse.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'straight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of straight
Middle English streght, straight, from past participle of strecchen to stretch — more at stretch
straight
Definition of straight
: in a straight manner came straight home from work
Examples of straight in a Sentence
She walked straight up to him and slapped him in the face.
The tunnel goes straight through the mountain.
The library is straight ahead.
He was so drunk he couldn't walk straight.
She sat with her legs straight out.
The tree fell straight down.
The car went straight off the road.
She told him straight to his face that she hated him.
Pine trees stood straight along the path.
Sit up straight and don't slouch.
First Known Use of straight
14th century
First Known Use of straight
15th century
straight
Definition of straight
1 : something that is straight: such asa : a straight line or arrangementb : straightaway; especially : homestretchc : a true or honest report or course
2a : a sequence (as of shots, strokes, or moves) resulting in a perfect score in a game or contestb : first place at the finish of a horse race : win
3 : a poker hand containing five cards in sequence but not of the same suit — see poker illustration
4 : a person who adheres to conventional attitudes and mores
Recent Examples of straight from the Web
-
The presidential swing states of Ohio and North Carolina were among others that had 2016 state House efficiency gaps favoring Republicans, the third straight such result since Republicans led the last round of redistricting in those states.
-
Thrifty bar patrons may want to drink their whiskey straight:
-
West played the superhero straight for kids and funny for adults.
-
The Frogs (45-16) advanced to their seventh Super Regional and fourth straight.
-
Three runs apiece in both the fifth and sixth made things academic for Neuqua, which won their 10th straight.
-
The panels will draw on both direct and diffuse light, allowing them to suck in energy straight from the sun and from rays reflected back up from the clouds.
-
Central Kitsap sophomore Brittany Kwon (143) won the title, her second straight.
-
The Golden State Warriors celebrate after sweeping the San Antonio Spurs 129-115 in the NBA Western Conference Finals, completing a third straight sweep to become the first team in NBA history to start the postseason 12-0.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'straight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of straight
1645
STRAIGHT Defined for English Language Learners
straight
playDefinition of straight for English Language Learners
-
: not having curves, bends, or angles
-
: vertical or level
-
: following one after the other in order : following each other without interruption
straight
Definition of straight for English Language Learners
-
: in a straight or direct way
-
: in or into a vertical position
-
: without any delay : directly or immediately
straight
Definition of straight for English Language Learners
-
: a straight part of a racecourse
-
: a hand of playing cards in poker that contains five cards in sequence (such as a five, a six, a seven, an eight, and a nine)
STRAIGHT Defined for Kids
Definition of straight for Students
straighter
;straightest
1 : following the same direction throughout its length : not having curves, bends, or angles a straight line
2 : being perfectly vertical or horizontal Does the flagpole look straight?
3 : following one after the other in order We worked for five straight hours.
4 : not changing from an indicated pattern I got straight A's on my report card.
5 : not straying from what is right or honest a straight answer
6 : correctly ordered or arranged We set the kitchen straight.
7 : 2correct 1 Let's get the facts straight.
8 : not showing any feeling especially of amusement a straight face
straightness
nounDefinition of straight for Students
1 : without delay or hesitation I came straight home.
2 : in a direct and uninterrupted course : without turning or curving aside The library is straight ahead. Skye looked into the closet and straight through into another bedroom … — Jeanne Birdsall, The Penderwicks
3 : in or into an upright position stand straight
4 : without interruption They have been working for three days straight.
5 : in a normal or correct way I can't think straight.
Learn More about straight
-
See words that rhyme with straight Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for straight Spanish Central: Translation of straight Nglish: Translation of straight for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of straight for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about straight
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up straight? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!