strap

noun

ˈstrap 

1

a

: a narrow usually flat strip 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

Examples of strap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These comfortable options have soft straps and plenty of pockets for small travel accessories. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026

The strap can be trimmed for a custom fit on smaller dogs or puppies. —Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 8 June 2026

Wide straps disguise bras or swimwear beneath, and a loose fit makes this top comfier and flattering. —Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026

The model and Kora Organics founder opted for the Blossom style from the French luxury house in white patent calf leather, with a slim open toe, a narrow front strap and a slender ankle strap that looped behind the heel. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing strap

• chin 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