1
a
: free from curves, bends, angles, or irregularities
straight hair
straight timber
b
: 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
2
a
: lying along or holding to a direct or proper course or method
a straight thinker
c
: coming directly from a trustworthy source
a straight tip on the horses
d(1)
: having the elements in an order
the straight sequence of events
(2)
: consecutive
12 straight days
e
: having the cylinders arranged in a single straight line
a straight 8-cylinder engine
3
a
: exhibiting honesty and fairness
straight dealing
b
: properly ordered or arranged
set the kitchen straight
set us straight on that issue
c
: agreeing with what is true or stated to be true : correct
Let's get our stories straight now so we won't be questioned later.
You need to get your facts straight.
Let me get this straight. [=I'm confused and want to make sure I understand correctly]
He set/put them straight on what happened. [=he corrected them and explained what actually happened]
4
: free from extraneous matter : unmixed
straight whiskey
5
: marked by no exceptions or deviations in support of a principle or party
votes a straight Democratic/Republican ticket
6
: having a fixed price for each regardless of the number sold
7
a
: not deviating from an indicated pattern
writes straight humor
a straight-A student
b(1)
: exhibiting no deviation from what is established or accepted as usual, normal, or proper : conventional
also
: square sense 5f
(2)
: not using or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
8
a
: of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to or between people of the opposite sex : heterosexual sense 1a
b
: of, relating to, or involving sexual activity between individuals of the opposite sex : heterosexual sense 1b
9
: being the only form of remuneration
on straight commission
Did you know?
strait or straight?
Straight and strait are homophones (“one of two or more words pronounced alike but different in meaning or derivation or spelling”), and many people are in the habit of confusing such creatures, particularly when used in fixed phrases. If you express no emotion you have a straight face; an upright person is a straight shooter; a straight flush is “a poker hand containing five cards of the same suit in sequence.” However, if you find yourself in a difficult situation you are in dire straits. Straitjacket and straitlaced are the more commonly used forms for the restrictive garment and the “strict in manners” adjective, although straightjacket and straightlaced are also occasionally found.
Examples of straight in a Sentence
Adjective
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 on the Web
Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
Lee also helped the Warriors win eight Hockomock League championships, including three straight crowns from 2023-25.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026
Keller Lindeman came on in relief and gave up three straight hits as JCCC scored three runs and cut the lead to 9-6 heading into the ninth inning.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
The Dodgers promoted a seven-part series looking back at the 2025 drive to their second straight championship on their YouTube channel, but the episodes were only up for a few hours on Thursday and then were taken down, along with the promotional material on the team’s social media accounts.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for straight
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
Tovar ambushed Kilian’s first offering, pulling a two-run homer over the left-field fence to hand the Giants their fourth straight loss.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
Lee also helped the Warriors win eight Hockomock League championships, including three straight crowns from 2023-25.
—Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 29 May 2026
Keller Lindeman came on in relief and gave up three straight hits as JCCC scored three runs and cut the lead to 9-6 heading into the ninth inning.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
The Dodgers promoted a seven-part series looking back at the 2025 drive to their second straight championship on their YouTube channel, but the episodes were only up for a few hours on Thursday and then were taken down, along with the promotional material on the team’s social media accounts.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for straight
Cite this Entry
“Straight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straight. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
straight
1 of 2 adjective1
a
: free from curves, bends, angles, or unevenness
straight hair
straight timber
b
: formed by a point moving continuously in the same direction
a straight line
3
: vertical sense 2, upright
the picture isn't quite straight
4
a
: exhibiting truth, fairness, and honesty : just
straight dealings
b
: correctly ordered or arranged
set the kitchen straight
c
: consecutive
five straight hours
d
: having nothing added
straight liquor
e
: making no exceptions in one's voting for a political party
voted a straight ticket
f
: not varying from a pattern
writes straight humor
g
h
: not using or under the influence of drugs
5
: being the only form of payment
on straight commission
straightness
noun
straight
2 of 2 adverb
: in a straight manner, course, or line
came straight home from school
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