straddle
2 synonyms for straddle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To sit or stand with one leg on each side of something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To sit or stand with one leg on each side of something.
“She straddled the motorbike and kicked the engine into life.”
2. noun
An options-trading strategy that bets on a security moving sharply in either direction.
“The trader bought a straddle ahead of the earnings announcement.”
How to use straddle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
straddle the fence
straddle a bike
straddle two worlds
Etymology
A 1560s alteration of the older dialect word "striddle," related to "stride."
Full origin of straddle →Frequently asked questions
What does “straddle” mean?
The word “straddle” means to sit or stand with one leg on each side of something. In plain terms, standing or sitting with your legs spread apart on either side of something, or figuratively sitting on the fence between two positions.
How do you pronounce “straddle”?
“Straddle” is pronounced STRA-duhl (/ˈstɹædəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “straddle” in a sentence?
Here is “straddle” used in a sentence: “She straddled the motorbike and kicked the engine into life.”
What part of speech is “straddle”?
Depending on how it is used, “straddle” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “straddle” come from?
The word “straddle” dates back to around 1560. A 1560s alteration of the older dialect word "striddle," related to "stride.".
How many meanings does “straddle” have?
“Straddle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to sit or stand with one leg on each side of something.
