drawstring

or draw string

[ draw-string ]

/ ˈdrɔˌstrɪŋ /

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noun

a string or cord that tightens or closes an opening, as of a bag, clothing, or the like, when one or both ends are pulled.

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Origin of drawstring

First recorded in 1825–35; draw + string

Words nearby drawstring

draw runner, drawshave, drawsheet, draw shot, draw straws, drawstring, draw table, draw the curtain, draw the line, draw the line at, draw top

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use drawstring in a sentence

The pharyngeal jaws then clamp down and pull the food back as the eel’s body elongates again—kind of like how one would guide a drawstring through a waistband.
Moray eels enjoy surf ‘n turf with a surprise second set of jaws|Claire Maldarelli|June 22, 2021|Popular-Science
Enter the Five Two Laundry Bag, which is a backpack with a drawstring and padded straps to make that dreaded chore so much easier.
The Best New Launches From Food52, Hydro Flask, and More|Daniel Modlin|May 7, 2021|The Daily Beast
There’s a drawstring hood, a zippered chest pocket that’s big enough for my phone, and the stretchy, striped cuffs of a track jacket.
Kari Traa’s Røthe Long Hoodie Is Better Than a Robe|Kelly Bastone|April 4, 2021|Outside Online
It’s fastened tight using a top zip, protective hook-and-loop enclosures, and drawstrings on each leg.
Best dog coats: Pet clothes to keep any dog warm|PopSci Commerce Team|February 17, 2021|Popular-Science

The socks run large, so when in doubt size down, although an elastic drawstring around the ankle keeps them on nicely even if they’re loose.
Blair Braverman's Favorite Soft Winter Gear|Blair Braverman|January 31, 2021|Outside Online
There are short-sleeved button downs, drawstring hoodies, and, of course, laptop cases.
YouTube Founder Quits for Fashion|Isabel Wilkinson|November 10, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Lady McIntyre had untied the drawstring and opened the innocent-looking, feminine thing, only to draw back, choking.
The Messenger|Elizabeth Robins
It is a rectangular bag, on an average approximately 30 by 25 centimeters, with a drawstring for closing it.
The Manbos of Mindano|John M. Garvan
As he bore the sacred roll he reverently kissed the tassels of the drawstring of the silken slip.
The Mark of the Beast|Sidney Watson
Manoury's army was almost horseshoe shaped, with Von Kluck gathering it in as a bag is clutched by its drawstring.
The Wonder of War on Land|Francis Rolt-Wheeler
Sometimes a drawstring closes the hood tightly around the face and prevents the spray from entering.
Ethnology of the Ungava District, Hudson Bay Territory|Lucien Turner

British Dictionary definitions for drawstring

drawstring

/ (ˈdrɔːˌstrɪŋ) /

noun

a cord, ribbon, etc, run through a hem around an opening, as on the bottom of a sleeve or at the mouth of a bag, so that when it is pulled tighter, the opening closes
(as modifier)a drawstring neckline

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012