strap

American  

[strap] / stræp /

noun

1. a narrow strip of flexible material, especially leather, as for fastening or holding things together.

2. a looped band by which an item may be held, pulled, lifted, etc., as a bootstrap or a ring that standing passengers may hold on to in a bus, subway, or the like.

3. a strop for a razor.

4. a long, narrow object or piece of something; strip; band.

5. an ornamental strip or band.

6. shoulder strap.

7. watchband.

8. Machinery.  a shallow metal fitting surrounding and retaining other parts, as on the end of a rod.

9. Nautical, Machinery.  strop.

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verb (used with object)

strapped, strapping

1. to fasten or secure with a strap or straps.

2. to fasten (a thing) around something in the manner of a strap.

3. to sharpen on a strap or strop.

   to strap a razor.

4. to beat or flog with a strap.

strap British  

/ stræp /

noun

1. a long strip of leather or similar material, for binding trunks, baggage, or other objects

2. a strip of leather or similar material used for carrying, lifting, or holding

3. a loop of leather, rubber, etc, suspended from the roof in a bus or train for standing passengers to hold on to

4. a razor strop

5. commerce a triple option on a security or commodity consisting of one put option and two call options at the same price and for the same period Compare strip 2

6. derogatory  a shameless or promiscuous woman

7. a beating with a strap as a punishment

8. short for shoulder strap

9. informal  to achieve one's full potential or become fully effective

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verb

1. to tie or bind with a strap

2. to beat with a strap

3. to sharpen with a strap or strop

Other Word Forms

• restrap verb (used with object)
• straplike adjective
• strappable adjective
• understrap noun

Etymology

Origin of strap

First recorded in 1565–75; variant of strop

Example Sentences

The Nano Banana Pro within Gemini opened my eyes but inexplicably changed my face, my pose and my shoe strap.

From The Wall Street Journal

Davis grabbed the strap of his jersey and pointed toward Reaves.

From Los Angeles Times

He also asserted "that he had no intention of fleeing and that there was no breakage of the bracelet's strap."

From Barron's

When he’s onstage, singing with his band, jumping and kicking with his guitar strapped around his neck, it’s hard to believe he’s closer to 60 than 25.

From Los Angeles Times

Those efforts to build the largest ever U.S.-led optical telescopes are seeking a record $1.6 billion investment from NSF at a time when the $9 billion agency is strapped for cash.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• belt
• harness
• leash