1
a
: a narrow usually flat strip or thong of a flexible material and especially leather used for securing, holding together, or wrapping
b
: something made of a strap forming a loop
a boot strap
c
: a strip of leather used for flogging
d
: strop
2
: a band, plate, or loop of metal for binding objects together or for clamping an object in position
3
: a shoe fastened with a usually buckled strap
4
Ireland
: trollop
strapped; strapping
1
2
: to beat or punish with a strap
3
: strop
4
: to cause to suffer from an extreme scarcity
is often strapped for cash
Examples of strap in a Sentence
Verb
We strapped our snowshoes on.
She climbed the mountain with a 40-pound pack strapped to her back.
She made sure that both children were strapped in.
Recent Examples on the Web
Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 24 Nov. 2023
The camera is well-sized for younger hands and has a helpful neck strap.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 21 Nov. 2023
The brand also sells add-ons like a chest strap and a butterfly charm to go with the bag.
—Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 17 Nov. 2023
According to our writer Jaina Grey, during testing the straps were easy to manage and adjust, were unobtrusive, and keep out of the way.
—Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 25 Nov. 2023
This two-for-one Osprey bag, currently 30 percent off as part of Nordstrom's Black Friday deals, is both with tote handles and backpack straps.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2023
Its cream fleece texture adds a touch of elegance, while the small strap length ensures comfort and ease of wear.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023
In the opening image of the carousel, Cabello could be seen posing on a staircase in the formfitting gown while holding up its straps around her neck with her left hand.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 18 Nov. 2023
The result offers a different aesthetic with a matte black finish, which is also available with the option of a rubber strap or matching Ceratanium bracelet.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2023
Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2023
His accessories include doll-size aviator sunglasses, a whistle strapped around his neck, a football secured under his arm and a mini mustache.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 25 Oct. 2023
Passing cars were strapped with kayaks, and everyone seemed to stroll as if their destinations were unknown.
—Marlise Kast-Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2023
Indeed, surging mortgage rates have pushed monthly payments up 60% ($871) year over year, according to real estate data and analytics firm Black Knight, leaving left one-fourth of homeowners strapped with $3,000-plus monthly payments.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2023
Roads were filled with snaking lines of vehicles strapped with suitcases and mattresses.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 15 Oct. 2023
Many more might have at least considered tempering the ambitious nature of an all-singing, all-dancing show that would be a physical challenge for any of today’s young pop megastars, let alone a 65-year-old pop veteran with strapping on her knee.
—Mark Sutherland, Variety, 14 Oct. 2023
Antek’s ornery, new-widower dad, Maciej (Mirosław Baka) is the wealthiest man in the region, but refuses to hand over any part of his substantial landholdings to his children leaving his strapping son brooding and resentful.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 11 Oct. 2023
The moment lands because Kardashian’s performance is usually bolstered and constrained by her real-life reputation for performing just as Siobhan says a public person should: strapping on a smile to do the hard work of being successful.
—Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 4 Oct. 2023
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Noun
Finished with a comfortable khaki and black ballistic rubber strap, the Freak [ONE OPS] ($66,500) is a welcome addition to a groundbreaking line, and one of the clear standout releases of Dubai Watch Week.
—Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 24 Nov. 2023
The camera is well-sized for younger hands and has a helpful neck strap.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 21 Nov. 2023
The brand also sells add-ons like a chest strap and a butterfly charm to go with the bag.
—Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 17 Nov. 2023
According to our writer Jaina Grey, during testing the straps were easy to manage and adjust, were unobtrusive, and keep out of the way.
—Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 25 Nov. 2023
This two-for-one Osprey bag, currently 30 percent off as part of Nordstrom's Black Friday deals, is both with tote handles and backpack straps.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2023
Its cream fleece texture adds a touch of elegance, while the small strap length ensures comfort and ease of wear.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023
In the opening image of the carousel, Cabello could be seen posing on a staircase in the formfitting gown while holding up its straps around her neck with her left hand.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 18 Nov. 2023
The result offers a different aesthetic with a matte black finish, which is also available with the option of a rubber strap or matching Ceratanium bracelet.
—Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 13 Nov. 2023
Verb
Then, strap them on, and enjoy the extra challenge.
—Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2023
His accessories include doll-size aviator sunglasses, a whistle strapped around his neck, a football secured under his arm and a mini mustache.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 25 Oct. 2023
Passing cars were strapped with kayaks, and everyone seemed to stroll as if their destinations were unknown.
—Marlise Kast-Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2023
Indeed, surging mortgage rates have pushed monthly payments up 60% ($871) year over year, according to real estate data and analytics firm Black Knight, leaving left one-fourth of homeowners strapped with $3,000-plus monthly payments.
—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2023
Roads were filled with snaking lines of vehicles strapped with suitcases and mattresses.
—Helen Regan, CNN, 15 Oct. 2023
Many more might have at least considered tempering the ambitious nature of an all-singing, all-dancing show that would be a physical challenge for any of today’s young pop megastars, let alone a 65-year-old pop veteran with strapping on her knee.
—Mark Sutherland, Variety, 14 Oct. 2023
Antek’s ornery, new-widower dad, Maciej (Mirosław Baka) is the wealthiest man in the region, but refuses to hand over any part of his substantial landholdings to his children leaving his strapping son brooding and resentful.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 11 Oct. 2023
The moment lands because Kardashian’s performance is usually bolstered and constrained by her real-life reputation for performing just as Siobhan says a public person should: strapping on a smile to do the hard work of being successful.
—Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 4 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Noun
alteration of strop, from Middle English, band or loop of leather or rope, from Old English, thong for securing an oar, from Latin struppus band, strap, from Greek strophos twisted band, from strephein to twist
First Known Use
Noun
1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Phrases Containing strap
Dictionary Entries Near strap
Cite this Entry
“Strap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strap. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
strap
1 of 2 noun1
: a band, plate, or loop of metal for tying objects together or for clamping an object in position
2
a
: a narrow usually flat strip of a flexible material and especially leather used for fastening, holding together, or wrapping
b
: something made of a strap forming a loop
boot strap
c
: a strip of leather used for whipping
d
strap
2 of 2 verb
strapped; strapping
1
: to fasten with or attach by a strap
2
: to beat or punish with a strap
3
4
: to cause to suffer from an extreme scarcity
I'm strapped for cash
Medical Definition
strap
1 of 2 noun
: a flexible band or strip
strap
2 of 2 transitive verb
strapped; strapping
1
: to secure with or attach by means of a strap
2
: to support (as a sprained joint) with overlapping strips of adhesive plaster
More from Merriam-Webster on strap
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for strap
Nglish: Translation of strap for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of strap for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about strap
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