stripe

¹

[strahyp]

noun

1. a relatively long, narrow band of a different color, appearance, weave, material, or nature from the rest of a surface or thing.

   the stripes of a zebra.

2. a fabric or material containing such a band or bands.

3. a strip of braid, tape, or the like.

4. stripes,

   1. a number or combination of such strips, worn on a military, naval, or other uniform as a badge of rank, service, good conduct, combat wounds, etc.

   2. Informal.,  status or recognition as a result of one's efforts, experience, or achievements.

      She earned her stripes as a traveling sales representative and then moved up to district manager.

5. a strip, or long, narrow piece of anything.

   a stripe of beach.

6. a streak or layer of a different nature within a substance.

7. style, variety, sort, or kind.

   a man of quite a different stripe.

8. Also called magnetic stripe. Movies.,  a strip of iron oxide layer on the edge of a film that is used for recording and reproducing a magnetic sound track.

verb (used with object)

striped, striping 

1. to mark or furnish with a stripe or stripes.

stripe

²

[strahyp]

noun

1. a stroke with a whip, rod, etc., as in punishment.

stripe

¹

/ straɪp /

noun

1. a relatively long band of distinctive colour or texture that differs from the surrounding material or background

2. a fabric having such bands

3. a strip, band, or chevron of fabric worn on a military uniform, etc, esp one that indicates rank

4. kind; sort; type

   a man of a certain stripe

verb

1. (tr) to mark with a stripe or stripes

stripe

²

/ straɪp /

noun

1. a stroke from a whip, rod, cane, etc

Other Word Forms

• stripeless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stripe¹

First recorded in 1620–30; probably from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German strīpe; strip ², stripe ²

Origin of stripe²

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English; obscurely akin to stripe ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of stripe¹

C17: probably from Middle Dutch strīpe; related to Middle High German strīfe, of obscure origin

Origin of stripe²

C15: perhaps from Middle Low German strippe; related to _stripe ¹

Example Sentences

The stripes remain, but there are no stars, only a swastika.

From Salon

Most of the time, however, attendees likely will have their heads down, studying the intricacies of trading cards and memorabilia of all stripes and types.

From Los Angeles Times

If you look around his workshop, you’ll spot several boxes adorned with red, white and blue striped ribbon.

From Los Angeles Times

The scientists noted that flies can be attracted to animals due to factors like their smell, shape, movement, colour - as well as how they polarise light, which black and white stripes do.

From BBC

For months, fury had been brewing against "nepo babies", the children of powerful politicians of all stripes, who were accused of flaunting their unexplained wealth on social media.

From BBC

Related Words

• ribbon