strings

Cultural  

1. A section of the orchestra containing the stringed musical instruments — those played by making stretched strings vibrate. In most stringed instruments, the musician draws a bow over the strings; violins, violas, cellos, and bass viols are played in this way. Other stringed instruments are played by plucking the strings; these include the banjo, guitar, harp, harpsichord, and ukulele.

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Example Sentences

It is disappointing to have a gift offered with an open heart — especially one of such great value — only to discover that it comes with strings attached.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

A couple of weeks ago, hall of fame trainer Bob Baffert said he was moving a couple of his strings to Kentucky rather than running at Santa Anita after this weekend.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

With OpenAI’s purse strings tightening ahead of its IPO, company executives began taking a more critical look at Sora—and didn’t like what they saw.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The Centre for Homelessness Impact, which commissioned the study, says the outcomes should encourage councils to "consider direct financial support for young people leaving care, with no strings attached".

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

“Not so tight,” I heaved, after a particularly strong tug on the corset strings.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

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