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

America’s real comparative advantage is its workers of all stripes—everywhere from factory floors to drilling rigs, corporate cubicles to garage startups—who devise new ways of doing business.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Epstein and economics” sounds like a stretch on the surface, but it is increasingly clear that Americans of all political stripes are tired of the rich getting richer, and bolder.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

French authorities were blindsided as thieves of all stripes, from lone wolves to organized groups, made quick work of its museums.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Varieties range from classic durum-wheat spaghetti to heart-shaped rigatoni and whole-wheat striped bow ties.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Hayhanen put on a blue tie with red stripes, stuck a pipe in his mouth, and headed for the theater.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• ribbon