strip
STRIHP
Strip (noun) means a long, narrow piece of material or land. Example: “She cut the fabric into thin strips.”
noun
1
A long, narrow piece of material or land.
"She cut the fabric into thin strips."
"The plane landed on a dirt airstrip."
"A narrow strip of grass runs along the edge of the road."
2
A comic strip, or a street known for its shops, bars, or entertainment.
"They spent the evening bar-hopping along the strip."
"My favourite strip in the newspaper is the one about the clever dog."
"Tourists crowd the strip every night to see the bright lights."
verb
1
To remove clothing, coverings, or a surface layer from something.
"He stripped the old paint off the door before repainting it."
"She stripped off her wet jacket as soon as she got inside."
"Please strip the bed and put the sheets in the wash."
2
To damage the thread of a screw, bolt, or gear, usually by overtightening.
"He stripped the screw head trying to force it out with the wrong driver."
"Don't overtighten the bolt or you might strip the thread."
"The mechanic said the old gear had been stripped by years of heavy use."
How to use strip
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA long thin piece of something, a comic panel series, or to remove a covering or clothing.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "strip" (to remove) with "stripe" (a band of color) — they're historically related but used differently today.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
comic strip
strip search
strip a screw
landing strip
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Word forms
- Plural
- strips
- Third person singular
- strips
- Past tense
- stripped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She cut the fabric into thin _____.
Etymology
Likely an alteration of stripe, or from a Middle Low German word of uncertain origin.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for strip
See all rhymes for strip →Frequently asked questions
What does “strip” mean?
The word “strip” means a long, narrow piece of material or land. In plain terms, a long thin piece of something, a comic panel series, or to remove a covering or clothing.
How do you pronounce “strip”?
“Strip” is pronounced STRIHP (/ˈstɹɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “strip” in a sentence?
Here is “strip” used in a sentence: “She cut the fabric into thin strips.”
What is another word for “strip”?
Words with a similar meaning to “strip” include deprive, peel and uncover.
What part of speech is “strip”?
Depending on how it is used, “strip” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “strip” come from?
The word “strip” comes from German. Likely an alteration of stripe, or from a Middle Low German word of uncertain origin.
Is “strip” a common word?
“Strip” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “strip” have?
“Strip” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, narrow piece of material or land.
What is the difference between 'strip' and 'stripe'?
A 'strip' is a long, narrow piece of material or land, such as a strip of paper or a strip of coastline. A 'stripe' is a band or line of colour that contrasts with what surrounds it, as on a flag or a shirt.
What is the difference between a 'strip' and a 'band' of material?
Both are long and narrow, but a 'strip' is usually cut or torn from a larger piece and can be of any length, like a strip of fabric. A 'band' more often implies something that encircles or fastens, such as a rubber band.
When is a street called a 'strip'?
A street is called a 'strip' when it is a well-known stretch lined with shops, bars, or entertainment venues. The word draws on the sense of a long, narrow area and is used for lively commercial or nightlife districts.
What is the difference between a 'comic strip' and a 'comic book'?
A 'comic strip' is a short sequence of drawings, usually just a few panels printed in a row, often in a newspaper. A comic book is a longer, bound publication that tells a fuller story across many pages.
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