stripe

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈstrīp 

: a stroke or blow with a rod or lash

stripe

2 of 3

verb

striped ˈstrīpt  ; striping

transitive verb

: to make stripes on or variegate with stripes

stripe

3 of 3

noun (2)

1

a

: a line or long narrow section differing in color or texture from parts adjoining

b(1)

: a textile design consisting of lines or bands against a plain background

(2)

: a fabric with a striped design

2

: a narrow strip of braid or embroidery usually in the shape of a bar, arc, or chevron that is worn (as on the sleeve of a military uniform) to indicate rank or length of service

3

: a distinct variety or sort : type

persons of the same political stripe

stripeless

ˈstrī-pləs 

adjective

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• swipe
• stroke
• punch
• blow
• thump
• slap
• hit
• thud
• whack
• knock
• lick
• pound
• spank
• smack
• poke
• clip
• bang
• sock
• beat
• switch
• belt
• slam

Verb

• streak

Noun (2)

• streak

Examples of stripe in a Sentence

Noun (1)

the prisoner was sentenced to receive 20 stripes with a bamboo pole

Verb

the children carefully striped the paper with red and blue paint

Noun (2)

the United States flag has seven red stripes

singers of every stripe will perform at the benefit concert

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

One at the end of the casket that was covered by the flag's stars, the other at the end cloaked by the stripes. —John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

This works especially well for graphic prints or images with a bit of color-blocking, where the stripes can shine as the sole pattern. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 30 July 2025

Verb

There’s also a gorgeous heated 39-foot infinity pool with stylish striped cabana chairs where guests can sip on rosé and watch elephants. —Jenn Rice, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2025

Taking inspiration from the Bratz doll Sasha, the figurine features pieces evocative of a nautical style sensibility, including a white sailor hat paired with a blue and white striped shirt and a tartan skirt. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, welt, long scar, blow, probably from stripe band on a garment

Verb

Middle English, to place bands or edging on (a garment), from Middle Dutch stripan, from stripe, strepe stripe; akin to Middle High German strīfe stripe

Noun (2)

Middle English, band or stripe on a garment, in part from stripen, verb, in part from Middle Dutch stripe

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing stripe

• service stripe

Rhymes for stripe

• gripe
• hype
• lipe
• pipe
• ripe
• sipe
• skype
• snipe
• stipe
• strype
• swipe
• tripe

Kids Definition

stripe

1 of 3 noun

ˈstrīp 

: a stroke or blow with a rod or part of a whip

stripe

2 of 3 verb

striped ˈstrīpt  ; striping

: to make stripes on

stripe

3 of 3 noun

1

: a line or long narrow section differing in color or appearance from the background

2

: a piece of braid (as on the sleeve) to indicate military rank or length of service

stripeless

ˈstrī-pləs 

adjective