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

Washington was already without starter Jayden Daniels, who had been ruled out Friday because of an elbow injury, so third-stringer Athan Kaliakmanis was called into action. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

However, Bagent is expected to serve as the backup to third-stringer Case Keenum, who will start, according to multiple reports. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Oladokun is listed as the Lions’ third stringer for Friday’s game against Saskatchewan, behind longtime starter Nathan Rourke (of Ohio and Jacksonville Jaguars preseason fame) and Colorado alum Kaidon Salter. — Pj Green september 24, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

But Chestnut, a special teams player and third-stringer at running back, does the look-at-me thing pregame. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 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)