straightedge

noun

straight·​edge ˈstrāt-ˌej How to pronounce straightedge (audio)
: a bar or piece of material (as of wood, metal, or plastic) with a straight edge for testing straight lines and surfaces or for cutting along or drawing straight lines

Examples of straightedge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Use the straightedge to connect these points (third panel). Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 12 Sep. 2024 The game of constructing shapes with a compass and straightedge originates in Euclid’s Elements, one of the most important textbooks ever written. Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 12 Sep. 2024 Measure the width of the wallpaper piece with the measuring tape and draw a corresponding pencil line on the wall with the straightedge. Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2024 Once the entire piece has adhered to the wall, use your straightedge and a small utility knife to carefully cut along the baseboard and remove any excess. Match Patterns and Repeat When applying subsequent pieces, line up the wallpaper's pattern to ensure a seamless look. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for straightedge 

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of straightedge was in 1769

Dictionary Entries Near straightedge

Cite this Entry

“Straightedge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straightedge. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

straightedge

noun
straight·​edge ˈstrāt-ˌej How to pronounce straightedge (audio)
: a bar or piece of wood, metal, or plastic with a straight edge for testing straight lines and surfaces or for cutting along or drawing straight lines
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!