string

1. 1

   A long, thin and flexible structure made from threads twisted together.countableuncountable

   • She bought cotton thread to use to make string.
   • I need three strings to complete the project.
2. 2

   A long, thin and flexible structure made from threads twisted together.; Control; influence.countablefigurativelyplural

   • I always know what position he'll take because the Chairwoman of the Board has her string on him.
   • You have to keep the piece with your mother-in-law, because mothers always have strings in their child.
3. 3

   A long, thin and flexible structure made from threads twisted together.; The conditions and limitations in a contract collectively.countablefigurativelyin-plural

   • The deal sounds good, but what are the strings?
   • no strings attached
4. 4

   A long, thin and flexible structure made from threads twisted together.; A controlling inner sense, emotion, memory, etc.countablefigurativelyuncountable

   • tug on the heart strings
   • The experience struck a string in him that turned into a lifetime hobby.
5. 5

   A long, thin and flexible structure made from threads twisted together.; Control over the basketball in a game; the state of being in sync as a team, as if connected by a string.countablefigurativelyuncountable

   • You have to get the ball on an absolute string.
   • The team needs to be on a string.
6. 6

   Any similar long, thin and flexible material.countable

   • The headdress's frame is made with strings of gold.
7. 7

   Any similar long, thin and flexible material.; A length of nylon or other material comprising the webbing on the head of a racquet or the mesh pocket of a lacrosse stick.countableuncountable

8. 8

   Any similar long, thin and flexible material.; The tough fibrous substance that unites the valves of the pericarp of leguminous plants.countableuncountable

   • the strings of beans; a string bean
9. 9

   Any similar long, thin and flexible material.; A bowstring.countableuncountable

   • You have to be strong to pull on the string.
10. 10

    Any similar long, thin and flexible material.; A bowstring.countableuncountableusually

    • The deer jumped the string.

syn. string

1. 1

   To put (items) on a string.transitive

   • You can string these beads on to this cord to make a colorful necklace.
2. 2

   To put strings on (something).transitive

   • It is difficult to string a tennis racket properly.
3. 3

   To form into a string or strings, as a substance which is stretched, or people who are moving along, etc.intransitive

4. 4

   To drive the ball against the end of the table and back, in order to determine which player is to open the game.intransitive

5. 5

   To deliberately state that a certain bird is present when it is not; to knowingly mislead other birders about the occurrence of a bird, especially a rarity; to misidentify a common bird as a rare species.

   • To be honest, you'd be better off trying to string a Skylark as a Richard's Pipit rather than as a Pectoral Sandpiper.