stringer

noun

string·​er ˈstriŋ-ər 

1

: one that strings

2

: a string, wire, or chain often with snaps on which fish are strung by a fisherman

3

: a narrow vein or irregular filament of mineral traversing a rock mass of different material

4

a

: a long horizontal timber to connect uprights in a frame or to support a floor

b

: string sense 8

c

: a tie in a truss

5

a

: a longitudinal member extending from bent to bent of a railroad bridge and carrying the track

b

: a longitudinal member (as in an airplane fuselage or wing) to reinforce the skin

6

a

: a news correspondent who is paid space rates

b

: a reporter who works for a publication or news agency on a part-time basis

broadly : correspondent

7

: one estimated to be of specified excellence or efficiency

—used in combination

first-stringer

second-stringer

Examples of stringer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Simmons did not mention Clayton Dees, who is believed to be the fourth-stringer. —Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

Both have been among the Celtics’ most important players this season, with Brown posting career-best numbers in Tatum’s absence and Queta, a fourth-stringer last season, emerging as a valuable starting center. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 2 Mar. 2026

Photograph by stringer / Reuters This war on Iran need not have happened—at least not now. —Robin Wright, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026

Allen, who was the 49ers’ third-stringer in 2023 behind Brock Purdy and Darnold, has spent time with six teams in his 10-season career and knows not all offensive staffs are created equally. —Eric Branch, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stringer

• bringer
• clinger
• dinger
• inger
• ringer
• slinger
• springer
• stinger
• winger
• wringer

Kids Definition

stringer

noun

string·​er ˈstriŋ-ər 

1

: one that strings

2

: a long piece of wood or metal used for support or strengthening in a building (as under a floor)