streamer

American  

[stree-mer] / ˈstri mər /

noun

1. something that streams.

   streamers of flame.

2. a long, narrow flag or pennant.

3. a long, flowing ribbon, feather, or the like used for ornament, as in dress.

4. any long, narrow piece or thing, as a spray of a plant or a strip of cloud.

5. a stream of light, especially one appearing in some forms of the aurora borealis.

6. Electricity. an electric discharge in a narrow stream from a point of high potential on a charged body.

7. Astronomy. a long extension of the solar corona, several solar radii long.

8. Journalism. banner.

9. a parachute that comes out of its packing in a long stream but does not expand.

10. Digital Technology.

    1. a person who accesses and consumes streaming media, as television shows, movies, or music albums, over the internet.

    2. a person who publishes or transmits livestreaming media, with commentary or other additional content, on the internet.

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streamer British  

/ ˈstriːmə /

noun

1. a long narrow flag or part of a flag

2. a long narrow coiled ribbon of coloured paper that becomes unrolled when tossed

3. a stream of light, esp one appearing in some forms of the aurora

4. journalism a large heavy headline printed across the width of a page of a newspaper

5. computing another word for tape streamer

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Etymology

Origin of streamer

First recorded in 1250–1300, streamer is from the Middle English word stremer. See stream, -er ¹

Explanation

A streamer is a long, thin strip of fabric or paper. When you're decorating the house for your sister's birthday, don't forget to hang some colorful streamers from the ceiling! A streamer is a kind of long, thin flag that, just as its name suggests, streams in the air. It's also a party decoration made of crêpe paper that flutters down from the doorway or light fixture. The word was originally nautical — streamers flowed out behind a ship's mast and identified it during battle. Today it's also used for a digital service that provides (or streams) online video or music.

Example Sentences

Their analysis traced the signal back to a massive magnetic structure in the Sun's atmosphere known as a helmet streamer.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

The streamer scored a hit with their tell-all "Harry & Meghan" but subsequent projects in their reported $20 million-deal fell flat.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

The streamer is also picking up a Saturday game in the final week of the regular season.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

An American Twitch streamer who caught the moment he was hit by a car live on camera has told the BBC he was left in shock looking back at the footage.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

In the store it had seemed beautiful, but with Lynn lying in bed so pale and sick, the streamer seemed all wrong.

From "Kira-Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata

Related Words

• flag
• pennant