Definition of stride
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : to stand astride
2 : to move with or as if with long steps
strode across the room
3 : to take a very long step
2 : to step over
3 : to move over or along with or as if with long measured steps
striding the boardwalk
stride
nounDefinition of stride (Entry 2 of 2)
1a : a cycle of locomotor movements (as of a horse) completed when the feet regain the initial relative positions also : the distance traversed in a stride
b : the most effective natural pace : maximum competence or capability
—often used in the phrase hit one's stride
2 : a long step
3 : an act of striding
4 : a stage of progress : advance made great strides toward their goal
5 : a manner of striding
6 : stride piano
in stride
1 : without interference with regular activities
2 : without emotional reaction
took the news in stride
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
- Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizName that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your h...
Take the quizTrue or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quizSCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share stride
Time Traveler for stride
The first known use of stride was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century