string
strihng
String (noun) means a thin cord or length of twisted thread, or a similar thin, flexible strand. Example: “She tied the parcel with string.”
noun
1
A thin cord or length of twisted thread, or a similar thin, flexible strand.
"She tied the parcel with string."
"A guitar string snapped mid-performance."
2
A series of similar things or events, one after another.
"The team went on a string of victories this season."
3
In computing, a sequence of characters treated as a single unit of data.
"The function takes a string and returns its length."
verb
1
To thread items onto a cord, or to fit an instrument with strings.
"She strung the beads into a bracelet."
"The technician restrung the tennis racket before the match."
How to use string
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA thin cord, a connected sequence of things, or (in computing) a run of text characters.
Common pairings
a string of
pull strings
string of pearls
string theory
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Word forms
- Plural
- strings
- Third person singular
- strings
- Past tense
- strung, stringed, strang
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She tied the parcel with _____.
Etymology
From Old English streng, from a Proto-Germanic root related to "tighten" — ultimately connected to the word "strong."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unstring
Related words
Rhymes for string
See all rhymes for string →Frequently asked questions
What does “string” mean?
The word “string” means a thin cord or length of twisted thread, or a similar thin, flexible strand. In plain terms, a thin cord, a connected sequence of things, or (in computing) a run of text characters.
How do you pronounce “string”?
“String” is pronounced strihng (/stɹɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “string” in a sentence?
Here is “string” used in a sentence: “She tied the parcel with string.”
What part of speech is “string”?
Depending on how it is used, “string” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “string” come from?
The word “string” comes from Old English. From Old English streng, from a Proto-Germanic root related to "tighten" — ultimately connected to the word "strong.".
Is “string” a common word?
“String” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “string” have?
“String” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thin cord or length of twisted thread, or a similar thin, flexible strand.
What is the difference between string and rope?
The difference is mainly thickness and strength. String is thin and lightweight, made of twisted thread, good for tying parcels or light tasks. Rope is much thicker and stronger, built to bear heavy loads and strain. Cord and twine sit between them, but string is at the thin, delicate end.
Does "string" have meanings beyond cord?
Yes. "String" also means the tensioned wire or cord on a musical instrument like a guitar or violin, a sequence of things such as "a string of successes," and in computing, a sequence of characters. This definition covers the physical sense of a thin, flexible strand or twisted thread.
What is string used for?
String is used for tying and bundling parcels, securing packages, gardening tasks like supporting plants, crafts, threading beads, flying kites, and countless everyday fixes. Its thinness and flexibility make it ideal for light binding jobs where rope would be too bulky and thread too weak.
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