1
a
: a cord usually used to bind, fasten, or tie
—often used attributively
a string bag
b
: something that resembles a string
garnished with potato strings
2
a
archaic
: a cord (such as a tendon or ligament) of an animal body
b
: a plant fiber (such as a leaf vein)
3
a
: the gut, wire, or nylon cord of a musical instrument
b
strings plural
(1)
: the stringed instruments of an orchestra
(2)
: the players of such instruments
4
: the gut, wire, or cord of a racket or shooting bow
5
a
: a group of objects threaded on a string
a string of fish
a string of pearls
b(1)
: a series of things arranged in or as if in a line
a string of cars
a string of names
(2)
: a sequence of like items (such as bits, characters, or words)
c
: a group of business properties scattered geographically
a string of newspapers
d
: the animals and especially horses belonging to or used by one individual
6
a
: a means of recourse : expedient
b
: a group of players ranked according to skill or proficiency
7
: succession sense 3a
a string of successes
8
: one of the inclined sides of a stair supporting the treads and risers
9
a
b
: the action of lagging for break in billiards
10
11
12
: a hypothetical one-dimensional object that is infinitely thin but has a length of 10−33 centimeters, that vibrates as it moves through space, and whose mode of vibration manifests itself as a subatomic particle
1
a
: to equip with strings
b
: to tune the strings of
2
: to make tense : key up
3
a
: to thread on or as if on a string
b
: to thread with objects
c
: to tie, hang, or fasten with string
d
: to put together (words, ideas, etc.) like objects threaded on a string
strung her thoughts together
4
: to hang by the neck
—used with up
5
: to remove the strings of
string beans
6
a
: to extend or stretch like a string
string wires from tree to tree
b
: to set out in a line or series
—often used with out
1
: to move, progress, or lie in a string
2
: to form into strings
3
Synonyms
Examples of string in a Sentence
Noun
She tied a string around the boxes.
He tied the packages together with string.
Verb
We strung popcorn garlands for the Christmas tree.
They strung wires from tree to tree.
Scouts strung lanterns along the trail.
She strung the key around her neck.
Recent Examples on the Web
Joe Hernandez, NPR, 28 Apr. 2024
This comes after a string of some hefty rate hikes in recent years.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for string 
Noun
At least four people were killed and dozens suffered injuries in multiple states after a string of tornadoes barreled through parts of the South and Midwest on Friday and into the weekend.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 28 Apr. 2024
This comes after a string of some hefty rate hikes in recent years.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for string
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'string.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near string
Cite this Entry
“String.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/string. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
string
1 of 3 noun1
: a cord usually used to fasten or tie
2
: a thin tough plant structure (as the fiber connecting the halves of a bean pod)
3
a
: the gut, wire, or nylon cord of a musical instrument that is plucked, bowed, or struck to produce a sound
b
plural
: the stringed instruments of an orchestra
4
: the gut, wire, or cord of a racket or shooting bow
5
a
: a group of objects threaded on a string
a string of pearls
b
: a series of things arranged in or as if in a line
a string of automobiles
c
: a series of like items (as units of information, marks, or words)
d
: the animals and especially horses belonging to or used by one individual
6
: any of several squads of players on a team that are grouped together according to skill
the second string of a football team
7
: a series in time : succession, sequence
8
plural
: requirements or obligations connected with something
an agreement with no strings attached
string
2 of 3 verb1
: to equip (as a tennis racket) with strings
2
a
: to thread on or as if on a string
string beads
b
: to tie, hang, or fasten with string
3
: to hang by the neck
strung up from a high tree
4
: to remove the strings of
string beans
5
a
: to extend or stretch like a string
string wires from tree to tree
b
: to set out in a line or series
string
3 of 3 adjective
: of or relating to stringed musical instruments
the string section of an orchestra
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