First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1string
noun \ˈstriŋ\
: a long, thin piece of twisted thread that you use to attach things, tie things together, or hang things
: a group of objects that are connected with a string, wire, chain, etc.
: a series of similar things
Full Definition of STRING
1
a : a cord usually used to bind, fasten, or tie —often used attributively <a string bag> b : something that resembles a string <garnished with potato strings>
2
a archaic : a cord (as a tendon or ligament) of an animal body b : a plant fiber (as a leaf vein)
3
a : the gut, wire, or nylon cord of a musical instrument b plural (1) : the stringed instruments of an orchestra (2) : the players of such instruments
4
: the gut, wire, or cord of a racket or shooting bow
5
a : a group of objects threaded on a string <a string of fish> <a string of pearls> b (1) : a series of things arranged in or as if in a line <a string of cars> <a string of names> (2) : a sequence of like items (as bits, characters, or words) c : a group of business properties scattered geographically <a string of newspapers> d : the animals and especially horses belonging to or used by one individual
6
a : a means of recourse : expedient b : a group of players ranked according to skill or proficiency
7
: succession 3a <a string of successes>
8
: one of the inclined sides of a stair supporting the treads and risers
9
a : balkline 1 b : the action of lagging for break in billiards
10
: line 13
11
12
: a hypothetical one-dimensional object that is infinitely thin but has a length of 10−33 centimeters, that vibrates as it moves through space, and whose mode of vibration manifests itself as a subatomic particle
— string·less \ˈstriŋ-ləs\ adjective
— on the string
: subject to one's influences
See string defined for English-language learners
See string defined for kids
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Origin of STRING
Middle English, from Old English streng; akin to Old High German strang rope, Latin stringere to bind tight — more at strain
2string
verb
: to put (things) together on a string, thread, chain, etc.
: to place or hang (things) in a line or series
: to tie, hang, or fasten (something) with string
strung \ˈstrəŋ\ string·ing \ˈstriŋ-iŋ\
Full Definition of STRING
transitive verb
1
a : to equip with strings b : to tune the strings of
2
: to make tense : key up
3
a : to thread on or as if on a string b : to thread with objects c : to tie, hang, or fasten with string d : to put together (as words or ideas) like objects threaded on a string <strung her thoughts together>
4
: to hang by the neck —used with up
5
: to remove the strings of <string beans>
6
a : to extend or stretch like a string <string wires from tree to tree> b : to set out in a line or series —often used with out
intransitive verb
1
: to move, progress, or lie in a string
2
: to form into strings
3
: lag 3
See string defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STRING
15th century
Related to STRING
- Synonyms
- concatenate, thread
3string
adjective
Definition of STRING
: of or relating to stringed musical instruments <the string section>
First Known Use of STRING
15th century
STRINGS Defined for Kids
1string
noun \ˈstriŋ\
Definition of STRING for Kids
1
: a thin cord used to bind, fasten, or tie
2
: something that resembles a string <potato strings>
3
: the gut, wire, or plastic cord of a musical instrument that vibrates to produce a tone when touched <a guitar string>
4
strings plural : the stringed instruments of an orchestra
5
: a group, series, or line of things threaded on a string or arranged as if strung together <a string of lights> <a string of automobiles>
6
: a series of events which follow each other in time <a string of robberies>
7
strings plural : requirements that are connected with something <The agreement has no strings attached.>
2string
verb
strung \ˈstrəŋ\string·ing
Definition of STRING for Kids
1
: to provide with strings <string a violin>
2
: 2thread 4 <string beads>
3
: to tie, hang, or fasten with string <She strung a key around her neck.>
4
: to set or stretch out in a line <Telephone lines were strung for miles.>
5
: to remove the tough fibers of <string peas>
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