latchstring

[ lach-string ]

/ ˈlætʃˌstrɪŋ /

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noun

a string passed through a hole in a door, for raising the latch from the outside.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of latchstring

First recorded in 1785–95; latch + string

Words nearby latchstring

latchkey, latchkey child, latch needle, latch on, latch onto, latchstring, late, late blight, late bloomer, late-blooming, late charge

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

How to use latchstring in a sentence

A beam of light shone through the generous latchstring hole in the door.
North of Fifty-Three|Bertrand W. Sinclair
Hang out the latchstring and remove everything breakable, for the wanderer is coming home!
The Camp Fire Girls on the Open Road|Hildegard G. Frey
That remains to be seen; lets follow them, as we have the right to do so long as the latchstring hangs outside.
The Boy Patrol Around the Council Fire|Edward Sylvester Ellis
Ye know his latchstring is always out, but Ive niver known of their being in his company.
The Boy Patrol Around the Council Fire|Edward Sylvester Ellis

You forget the latchstring is inside, reminded Scout Master Hall.
The Boy Patrol Around the Council Fire|Edward Sylvester Ellis

British Dictionary definitions for latchstring

latchstring

/ (ˈlætʃˌstrɪŋ) /

noun

a length of string fastened to a latch and passed through a hole in the door so that it can be opened from the other side

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