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 66-year-old independent has no use for politicians of any stripe.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Elsewhere, a stripe of lemon yellow radiates against an inky background, interrupted by numerous dark patches.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Well, except for those white stripes running down her back.

Read more on Literature

Soft know-it-alls from the city and phonies of any stripe receive rough treatment in his shows, such as the llama farmer from California who gets thrown under a Montana cattle guard in “Yellowstone.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Their beveled corners are polished to a high glossy sheen, which creates slender vertical stripes that contrast sharply with the charcoal shadows from which they emerge.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ribbon