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

Any situation featuring Sanders, the polarizing prospect who happens to be a third-stringer at this point, would invite media chaos. —Chris Branch, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

However, instead of moving fellow rookie QB Shedeur Sanders up the depth chart to serve as Gabriel’s backup, the Browns chose to keep Flacco as the second-stringer and Sanders as the emergency third option. —Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025

The Royals’ second stringers ran out the clock to secure the win. —Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025

Moore said the opportunity for his second-stringers to get some game action was very valuable. —Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025

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)