1
2
3
strained; straining; strains
1
a
: to draw tight : cause to fit firmly
strain the bandage over the wound
b
: to stretch to maximum extension and tautness
strain a canvas over a frame
2
a
: to exert (oneself, one's senses, etc.) to the utmost
b
: to injure by overuse, misuse, or excessive pressure
strained his back
c
: to cause a change of form or size in (a body) by application of external force
4
5
: to stretch beyond a proper limit
that story strains my credulity
6
obsolete
: to squeeze out : extort
1
a
: to make violent efforts : strive
has to strain to reach the high notes
b
: to pull against resistance
a dog straining at its leash
c
: to contract the muscles forcefully in attempting to defecate
—often used in the phrase strain at stool
2
: to pass through or as if through a strainer
the liquid strains readily
3
: to make great difficulty or resistance : balk
1
a
: bodily injury from excessive tension, effort, or use
heart strain
especially
: one resulting from a wrench or twist and involving undue stretching of muscles or ligaments
back strain
b
: excessive or difficult exertion or labor
c
: excessive physical or mental tension
also
: a force, influence, or factor causing such tension
a strain on the marriage
d
: deformation of a material body under the action of applied forces
2
: an unusual reach, degree, or intensity : pitch
3
archaic
: a strained interpretation of something said or written
Synonyms
Examples of strain in a Sentence
Noun (1)
descended from a strain of Irish seafarers
the strain of an old Irish ballad rose up from the revelers downstairs
detected a strain of panic in her voice when she asked if the substance was poisonous
writes mystery novels of a more sophisticated strain
Verb
I strained my back trying to lift the couch.
Too much computer work strains the eyes.
He strained a muscle in his leg.
His muscles strained under the heavy weight.
Noun (2)
the family's constant moving is putting a real strain on the children
Recent Examples on the Web
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 May 2024
The debt is a sign borrowers are feeling the strain of rising prices and high interest rates.
—Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 15 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for strain 
Noun
Ten different bourbons using two mash bills and five different yeast strains are made at the distillery.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 May 2024
The debt is a sign borrowers are feeling the strain of rising prices and high interest rates.
—Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 15 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for strain
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strain.' 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 strain
Cite this Entry
“Strain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strain. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
strain
1 of 3 noun1
b
: a group of plants or animals that look alike but have characteristics (as the ability to resist disease) that make them slightly different : variety sense 3b
a strong strain of winter wheat
2
3
4
: the manner or style of something said or of a course of action or conduct
strain
2 of 3 verb1
a
: to draw tight : cause to clasp firmly
b
: to stretch to maximum extension and tightness
2
a
: to try one's hardest : strive
b
: to injure or be injured by overuse, misuse, or pressure
strained the heart by overwork
strain one's back by lifting
3
a
: to pass or cause to pass through or as if through a strainer : filter
b
: to remove by straining
strain lumps out of the gravy
4
: to stretch beyond a proper limit
strain the truth
strain
3 of 3 noun1
: an act of straining or the state of being strained
2
: bodily injury caused by too much tension, effort, or use
heart strain
especially
: one resulting from a wrench or twist and involving severe stretching of muscles or ligaments
back strain
Medical Definition
strain
1 of 3 noun
: a group of presumed common ancestry with clear-cut physiological but usually not morphological distinctions
a highly virulent strain of bacteria
strain
2 of 3 transitive verb1
a
: to exert (as oneself) to the utmost
b
: to injure by overuse, misuse, or excessive pressure
strained his heart by overwork
c
: to cause a change of form or size in (a body) by application of external force
2
: to cause to pass through a strainer
: to contract the muscles forcefully in attempting to defecate
—often used in the phrase strain at stool
strain
3 of 3 noun
a
: excessive physical or mental tension
also
: a force, influence, or factor causing such tension
b
: bodily injury from excessive tension, effort, or use
heart strain
especially
: one resulting from a wrench or twist and involving undue stretching of muscles or ligaments
back strain
compare sprain
c
: deformation of a material body under the action of applied forces
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