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.

---

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

---

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

At its peak last year it hit top spot as Prime Video's most popular show in the UK, with the streamer saying it hit number one in 120 countries.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

They include a Gen Z video game streamer, a longtime engineer for the city and a mental health worker pregnant with her third child.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The streamer expects an operating income of €630 million, well below the €680 million that analysts were looking for.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Pluto TV, Paramount’s free streamer, is also expected to play a crucial role in re-energizing the company’s direct-to-consumer business, including by spending more on popular reruns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

As we neared the mouth of New Bedford Harbor, a schooner flying a long green streamer off its mainmast, its sails plump, its bow rising and dipping, came out through the channel toward us.

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk

Related Words

• flag
• pennant