strap

1 of 2

noun

ˈstrap 

1

a

: a narrow usually flat strip or thong of a flexible material and especially leather used for securing, holding together, or wrapping

b

: something made of a strap forming a loop

a boot strap

c

: a strip of leather used for flogging

d

: strop

2

: a band, plate, or loop of metal for binding objects together or for clamping an object in position

3

: a shoe fastened with a usually buckled strap

4

Ireland : trollop

strappy

ˈstra-pē 

adjective

strap

2 of 2

verb

strapped; strapping

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: to secure with or attach by means of a strap

(2)

: to support (something, such as a sprained joint) with overlapping strips of adhesive plaster

b

: bind, constrict

2

: to beat or punish with a strap

3

: strop

4

: to cause to suffer from an extreme scarcity

is often strapped for cash

Examples of strap in a Sentence

Verb

We strapped our snowshoes on.

She climbed the mountain with a 40-pound pack strapped to her back.

She made sure that both children were strapped in.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There are 18 in all, with eight for each set of laces, and a further pair for the top strap eyelets; the toecap, tongue, rear, and foothole cover are all printed. —Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

In terms of construction, the adjustable straps didn't slide down, and the shapewear didn't roll or shift around underneath clothing. —Michelle Rostamian, People.com, 26 June 2025

Verb

After the travel party’s homemade catamaran flipped, leaving the group to drift in the ocean for over 24 hours, Rockefeller strapped empty gasoline cans to his waist and swam for help. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025

Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour has helped inspire an obsession with all things Wild West this year — and her stop in Las Vegas (July 25 - 26) is the perfect excuse to strap on your spurs, or at least purchase a cowboy hat. —Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 28 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of strop, from Middle English, band or loop of leather or rope, from Old English, thong for securing an oar, from Latin struppus band, strap, from Greek strophos twisted band, from strephein to twist

First Known Use

Noun

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing strap

• put/tie/strap on the feedbag
• shoulder strap
• spaghetti strap
• strap in

Rhymes for strap

• app
• cap
• chap
• clap
• crap
• flap
• frap
• gap
• hap
• lap
• nap
• nappe

Kids Definition

strap

1 of 2 noun

ˈstrap 

1

: a band, plate, or loop of metal for tying objects together or for clamping an object in position

2

a

: a narrow usually flat strip of a flexible material and especially leather used for fastening, holding together, or wrapping

b

: something made of a strap forming a loop

boot strap

c

: a strip of leather used for whipping

d

: strop entry 1

strap

2 of 2 verb

strapped; strapping

1

: to fasten with or attach by a strap

2

: to beat or punish with a strap

3

: strop entry 2

4

: to cause to suffer from an extreme scarcity

I'm strapped for cash

Medical Definition

strap

1 of 2 noun

ˈstrap 

: a flexible band or strip

strap

2 of 2 transitive verb

strapped; strapping

1

: to secure with or attach by means of a strap

2

: to support (as a sprained joint) with overlapping strips of adhesive plaster