strut

verb \ ˈstrət \

Definition of strut

strutted; strutting

intransitive verb

1 :to become turgid :swell

2 a :to walk with a proud gait

b :to walk with a pompous and affected air

transitive verb

:to parade (something, such as clothes) with a show of pride

—

strutter

noun

— strut one's stuff

:to display one's best work :show off

Recent Examples of strut from the Web

Apparently, a lookalike was strutting around the makeup convention taking photos with fans and the real Bretman Rock was NOT having it.

— kelsey stiegman, Seventeen, "Bretman Rock Accuses a Beauty Boy of Impersonating Him at BeautyCon," 14 Aug. 2017
Or strut your stuff at the dance contest at 7 p.m. where the winner takes home a New Belgium cruiser bike.

— michelle jenkins, idahostatesman, "Costumes encouraged, but partying mandatory at Tour de Fat," 10 Aug. 2017
Another worthy stroll leads to the once-functional ice house and sawmill, rock caves, grotto and aviary, where peacocks strut proudly while chickens scurry.

— by brian melton, star-telegram, "Mind Your Manor: Ireland’s Ballyfin showcases 19th century country estate chic," 2 Aug. 2017
Women strutting for a wad of cash and to please a wealthy man …

— kayla keegan, Good Housekeeping, "I'm a 51-Year-Old Cougar Baby and I Fell for My Sugar Daddy," 29 July 2017
From strutting down runways to embracing her cellulite to sharing her favorite fashion hacks, model and body-positivity activist Ashley Graham is a constant force of good on our news feeds.

— sophie hirsh, SELF, "Watch Ashley Graham Nail an Aerial Yoga Workout," 24 July 2017
Elisabeth Moss has gone from strutting down hallways as Peggy Olson to defiantly operating in the shadows in The Handmaid’s Tale.

— laura bradley, vanityfair.com, "When Will AMC Find Its Next Mad Men?," 19 July 2017
During one of the breaks at a home game against the Kansas City Royals, this granny got up to strut her stuff, according to Yahoo! Sports.

— katina beniaris, Country Living, "This Hilarious Dancing Grandma Flashed Her Bra on the Dodgers' JumboTron," 10 July 2017
Overview: Some returning nameplates strut into a new model year with the braggadocio of a heavyweight prizefighter returning to defend a title.

— andrew wendler, Car and Driver, "2017 Chevrolet Impala," 6 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'strut.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of strut

Middle English strouten, from Old English strūtian to stand out stiffly, struggle; akin to Middle High German strozzen to be swollen

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

strut

noun

Definition of strut

1 :a structural piece designed to resist pressure in the direction of its length

2 :a pompous step or walk

3 :arrogant behavior :swagger

See strut defined for English-language learners

Examples of strut in a Sentence

the strut of a supermodel

Recent Examples of strut from the Web

The era of rooftop helicopter travel ended on May 16, 1977, however, when an idling Sikorsky S-61’s landing strut gave way and the aircraft tipped over.

— raymond schillinger, Bloomberg.com, "The Death and Life of Helicopter Commuting," 10 Aug. 2017
Thanks to the production of Michael Rinne and the arrangements of Jordan Lehning, which blend woozy countrypolitan strings with soulful New Orleans brass, Tyson’s agile voice achieves a Zelig-like quality, suiting whatever struts behind him.

— peter margasak, Chicago Reader, "Cale Tyson’s familiar country-soul sound goes down easy," 10 Aug. 2017
That power is kept on the ground by MacPherson strut suspension on the front end, married to electronic stability control, ABS and an electronic braking control system that magnifies the Mini’s cornering ability.

— charles fleming, Detroit Free Press, "Review: 2017 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman ALL4 is a quaint mini, souped up," 5 July 2017
Next door, the beams and struts of the Confluence Arts Center are taking shape.

— karen herzog, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Eau Claire is more than Eaux Claires: It's home to millennials," 1 July 2017
From a graduation strut to a momma leaving home to go to work, the fierceness is real.

— adelle platon, Billboard, "Nicki Minaj Instagram Sparks Sassy Viral Challenge," 20 June 2017
The Struts: This British glam band bears its influences boldly and brashly, starting with Queen, the New York Dolls and the Strokes.

— timothy finn, kansascity.com, "On day two, Boulevardia headliners adjust to the weather’s fury," 18 June 2017
In video from Florida's Jupiter Police Department, gone is his confident strut on the golf course -- instead replaced by a man struggling to walk and stand on one leg.

— faith karimi and steve almasy, CNN, "Tiger Woods' DUI arrest: Golfer appears confused in dashcam video," 1 June 2017
The Bird Call – in which three students compete by creating their own version of a bird screech and strut.

— laura hinderman, Daily Southtown, "Area educators take their motivation game on the road," 31 May 2017

First Known Use of strut

1587

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

strut

verb

Definition of strut

strutted; strutting

transitive verb

:to provide, stiffen, support, or hold apart with or as if with a strut

Recent Examples of strut from the Web

Apparently, a lookalike was strutting around the makeup convention taking photos with fans and the real Bretman Rock was NOT having it.

— kelsey stiegman, Seventeen, "Bretman Rock Accuses a Beauty Boy of Impersonating Him at BeautyCon," 14 Aug. 2017
Or strut your stuff at the dance contest at 7 p.m. where the winner takes home a New Belgium cruiser bike.

— michelle jenkins, idahostatesman, "Costumes encouraged, but partying mandatory at Tour de Fat," 10 Aug. 2017
Another worthy stroll leads to the once-functional ice house and sawmill, rock caves, grotto and aviary, where peacocks strut proudly while chickens scurry.

— by brian melton, star-telegram, "Mind Your Manor: Ireland’s Ballyfin showcases 19th century country estate chic," 2 Aug. 2017
Women strutting for a wad of cash and to please a wealthy man …

— kayla keegan, Good Housekeeping, "I'm a 51-Year-Old Cougar Baby and I Fell for My Sugar Daddy," 29 July 2017
From strutting down runways to embracing her cellulite to sharing her favorite fashion hacks, model and body-positivity activist Ashley Graham is a constant force of good on our news feeds.

— sophie hirsh, SELF, "Watch Ashley Graham Nail an Aerial Yoga Workout," 24 July 2017
Elisabeth Moss has gone from strutting down hallways as Peggy Olson to defiantly operating in the shadows in The Handmaid’s Tale.

— laura bradley, vanityfair.com, "When Will AMC Find Its Next Mad Men?," 19 July 2017
During one of the breaks at a home game against the Kansas City Royals, this granny got up to strut her stuff, according to Yahoo! Sports.

— katina beniaris, Country Living, "This Hilarious Dancing Grandma Flashed Her Bra on the Dodgers' JumboTron," 10 July 2017
Overview: Some returning nameplates strut into a new model year with the braggadocio of a heavyweight prizefighter returning to defend a title.

— andrew wendler, Car and Driver, "2017 Chevrolet Impala," 6 July 2017

First Known Use of strut

circa 1828

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

STRUT Defined for English Language Learners

strut

noun

Definition of strut for English Language Learners

: a long, thin piece of wood or metal used for support in a building, vehicle, etc.
: a proud and confident walk

STRUT Defined for Kids

strut

verb \ ˈstrət \

Definition of strut for Students

strutted; strutting

:to walk in a confident and proud way

strut

noun

Definition of strut for Students

1 :a stiff proud step or walk

2 :a bar or brace used to resist pressure in the direction of its length

Learn More about strut

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for strut Spanish Central: Translation of strut Nglish: Translation of strut for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of strut for Arabic speakers

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strutter

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Origin and Etymology of strut

strut

Definition of strut

Examples of strut in a Sentence

Recent Examples of strut from the Web

First Known Use of strut

Other Building Terms

strut

Definition of strut

Recent Examples of strut from the Web

First Known Use of strut

Other Building Terms

STRUT Defined for English Language Learners

strut

Definition of strut for English Language Learners

STRUT Defined for Kids

strut

Definition of strut for Students

strut

Definition of strut for Students

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