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

Dolphins third-stringer Cam Miller completed 3 of 11 passes and threw two picks. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

The Titans, coached by former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, are expected to play their would-be first-stringers. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

During one rep of lineman one-on-ones, Blue Valley High alum Mason Richman got the better of defensive tackle Rylie Mills, pushing him outside the pocket set by third-stringer Jalen Milroe. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026

The fourth-round linebacker out of Oklahoma missed OTAs and minicamp with a calf injury, but has slotted in as a second stringer — while occasionally joining the first-team defense. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 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)