drawstring

American  

[draw-string] / ˈdrɔˌstrɪŋ /

Or draw string

noun

1. 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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drawstring British  

/ ˈdrɔːˌstrɪŋ /

noun

1. 1. 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

   2. ( as modifier )

      a drawstring neckline

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Etymology

Origin of drawstring

First recorded in 1825–35; draw + string

Explanation

A long cord used to gather fabric, especially in clothing, is called a drawstring. If the wind feels unexpectedly chilly this morning, you can put up the hood of your sweatshirt and pull the drawstring tight. You might find a drawstring in the hood of your coat, the waist of your sweatpants, or the opening in your backpack. Typically, a drawstring hangs loose unless it's tightened or tied shut. Most drawstrings are laced through loops of material, or into a tube, like the waist of a skirt. Little kids' clothes can't legally have drawstrings, since they're considered hazardous.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

drawstring

This structure tightens like a drawstring, squeezing the cell into two daughter cells.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 28, 2026

Hard to know what she’ll appreciate more: the peaceful slumber or the practical drawstring bag constructed in the same silky fabric as the mask and scrunchie.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 20, 2025

The young adult snakes were hidden in the inner thigh of his pants in snake bags tied to the pants’ drawstring.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 14, 2024

Magic Ornaments has sets of glitter- and mirror-finish ornaments; pull the drawstring and you’ve got a 3-D decoration.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 6, 2023

Though we visit Calcutta every few years, and bring back more drawstring pajamas and Darjeeling tea, we have decided to grow old here.

From "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri