thread

noun

\ ˈthred

Definition of thread

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a filament, a group of filaments twisted together, or a filamentous length formed by spinning and twisting short textile fibers into a continuous strand

b : a piece of thread

2a : any of various natural filaments the threads of a spiderweb

b : a slender stream (as of water)

c : a projecting helical rib (as in a fitting or on a pipe) by which parts can be screwed together : screw thread

3 : something continuous or drawn out: such as

a : a line of reasoning or train of thought that connects the parts in a sequence (as of ideas or events) lost the thread of the story

b : a continuing element a thread of melancholy marked all his writing

c : a series of electronic messages (as on a message board or social media website) following a single topic or in response to a single message

4 : a tenuous or feeble support hung on by a thread

5 threads plural : clothing

thread

verb

threaded; threading; threads

Definition of thread (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to pass a thread through the eye of (a needle)

b : to arrange a thread, yarn, or lead-in piece in working position for use in (a machine)

2a(1) : to pass something through in the manner of a thread thread a pipe with wire

(2) : to pass (something, such as a tape, line, or film) into or through something threaded a fresh roll of film into the camera

b : to make one's way through or between threading narrow alleys also : to make one's way usually cautiously through a hazardous situation

3 : to put together on or as if on a thread : string thread beads

4 : to interweave with or as if with threads : intersperse dark hair threaded with silver

5 : to form a screw thread on or in

intransitive verb

1 : weave sense 2 the car threaded through traffic

2 : to form a thread

Other Words from thread Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about thread

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from thread

Noun

threadless \ ˈthred-ləs

\ adjective

threadlike \ ˈthred-ˌlīk

\ adjective

Verb

threader noun

Examples of thread in a Sentence

Noun

A thread was hanging from the hem of her coat. the unwary bug was snared in the sticky threads of the spider's web

Verb

She threaded her shoelace through the holes. thread film through a camera They had to thread their way through the crowd. Waiters threaded through the crowd. a river that threads through narrow valleys

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Regarding visual media, impactive everyday behaviors include responding to a thread with a GIF or reaction image featuring random everyday strangers, or posting (and/or remixing) the latest meme to comment on the news of the day. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "How Kevin Hart tweeted himself out of a job hosting the Oscars," 8 Dec. 2018 The nuclear deal, under which Iran agreed to scale back nuclear enrichment and submit to international inspections, is now hanging by a thread as Iran negotiates with other signatories to keep its benefits alive after the U.S. exit. — Asa Fitch, WSJ, "Iran Defends Missile Program After Pompeo Alleges Tehran Carried Out Test," 2 Dec. 2018 Some Reddit users were not excited about the color choice, according to a thread on the topic. — Emma Austin, The Courier-Journal, "Clark Memorial Bridge gets a fresh coat of buttery yellow paint," 9 July 2018 Jeremy Young provided his dispute case evidence to the dispute thread for both public and Twin Galaxies scrutiny and review. — Brian Crecente, chicagotribune.com, "'King of Kong' Star stripped of high scores, banned from competition," 12 Apr. 2018 Hundreds of Nintendo Switch owners have taken to a Reddit thread to complain of their consoles no longer working after being inserted into third-party docks. — Don Reisinger, Fortune, "Nintendo Switch Owners Report Third-Party Docks Killing Console," 29 Mar. 2018 David and Dan made a decision not to go in that direction in their story, pursuing other threads. — Stacey Leasca, Glamour, "'Game of Thrones' Fans Think Catelyn Stark Could Return as Lady Stoneheart Still," 21 Apr. 2019 On April 4, the team engaged in the whole kerfuffle with a long, funny, and heartfelt thread about Keiley. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Instagram Account Originally Belonged to Someone Else Until They Took Over," 4 Apr. 2019 Editor’s note: A comment thread was erroneously attached to this story when it was first published. — Sara Jean Green, The Seattle Times, "Seattle man charged in Lake City shootings says he was drunk, doesn’t recall rampage, police say," 31 Mar. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

These particular milagros are shaped like arms and legs, presumably made in response to Kahlo’s problematic right leg that was later amputated, and threaded together in a large necklace over the course of 15 years. — Emily Zemler, latimes.com, "The real Frida Kahlo comes alive in a London exhibit," 18 June 2018 After another ball was threaded inside the winger's left shoulder, Robert Lewandowski unleashed and James should have scored but was unable to adjust his body to the follow-up. — Thomas Allnutt, chicagotribune.com, "Benzema scores twice against Bayern to send Real into Champions League final," 1 May 2018 Kerr said of the rope, which is threaded together by the plant’s fibers. — Carter Karels, San Antonio Express-News, "Garcilazo, the ‘Elvis of Mexico,’ performs charro routine at San Antonio Rodeo," 15 Feb. 2018 Censoring fake news could become a quagmire Facebook has tried to thread the needle by insisting that Jones' content is being removed for violating policies against hate speech—not policies against fake news. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Op-ed: Alex Jones is a crackpot—but banning him from Facebook might be a bad idea [Updated]," 6 Aug. 2018 The top layer also has space inside to thread recharging wires and sensors that monitor temperature, traffic flow and weight load. — Fortune, "This 'Intelligent Highway' Will Charge Your Car as You Drive," 12 Apr. 2018 During a Friday workout on a practice field adjacent to Toyota Field, a thin, floppy-haired midfielder took a pass in the defensive third, made a move around a defender, then threaded a pass to a streaking teammate. — Roy Bragg, San Antonio Express-News, "SAFC investing in teen soccer phenom," 14 May 2018 The catwalk was dusted with glitter, a nod to Spade’s enduring shimmer, which was threaded throughout Glass’s collection. — Katharine K. Zarrella, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kate Spade's New Creative Director Opens Up About Honoring the Late Designer's Legacy," 30 Jan. 2019 The statement, which Google has supplied similar versions of to journalists in response to questions about the project, appeared to thread a needle. — Colin Lecher, The Verge, "What Google’s CEO told Congress about China — and what he didn’t," 12 Dec. 2018

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about thread

Dictionary Entries near thread

Statistics for thread

Last Updated

9 May 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for thread

The first known use of thread was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for thread

thread

noun

English Language Learners Definition of thread

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a long, thin piece of cotton, silk, etc., used for sewing

literary : a long, thin line of something

: the raised line that winds around a screw

thread

verb

English Language Learners Definition of thread (Entry 2 of 2)

: to put a thread, string, rope, etc., through a hole in something

: to put (film or tape) into a movie camera, tape recorder, etc., so that it is ready to be used

: to move forward by turning and going through narrow spaces

See the full definition for thread in the English Language Learners Dictionary

thread

noun

\ ˈthred

Kids Definition of thread

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a thin fine cord formed by spinning and twisting short fibers into a continuous strand

2 : a thin fine line or strand of something a thread of light

3 : the ridge or groove that winds around a screw

4 : a train of thought that connects the parts of something (as an argument or story)

thread

verb

threaded; threading

Kids Definition of thread (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to put a thread in working position (as in a needle)

2 : to pass something through another thing Thread the film through the camera.

3 : to make a way through or between He rushes on and on … threading his way with perfect skill between tree-trunks …— C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

4 : to put together on a thread : string