strap

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a narrow usually flat strip or thong of a flexible material and especially leather used for securing, holding together, or wrapping
b
: something made of a strap forming a loop
a boot strap
c
: a strip of leather used for flogging
d
: strop
2
: a band, plate, or loop of metal for binding objects together or for clamping an object in position
3
: a shoe fastened with a usually buckled strap
4
Ireland : trollop
strappy adjective

strap

2 of 2

verb

strapped; strapping

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to secure with or attach by means of a strap
(2)
: to support (something, such as a sprained joint) with overlapping strips of adhesive plaster
2
: to beat or punish with a strap
3
: strop
4
: to cause to suffer from an extreme scarcity
is often strapped for cash

Examples of strap in a Sentence

Verb We strapped our snowshoes on. She climbed the mountain with a 40-pound pack strapped to her back. She made sure that both children were strapped in.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The timepiece has been released in different materials over the years, but Pollak’s appears to feature a silver case, a champagne dial, and a brown strap. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2024 The piece — and the cover photo of Stewart wearing a jock strap — became controversial with the conservative right. Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2024 The Row Oregon tote bag Gabriela Hearst Rainer netted tote bag Ulla Johnson Marta small raffia tote The New Shoulder Bag Compact and ladylike, the shoulder bag that reigned supreme on the spring runways is characterized by clean lines and a short strap. Madeline Fass, Vogue, 15 Mar. 2024 The compact sling bag boasts a volume of 1L and sits at 7.5 inches by 2 inches by 5 inches, while the strap can be adjusted to extend as long as 41.7 inches, making for a comfortable fit on a wide range of body types. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2024 Even before intimacy garments became more of a staple, Shapiro says the industry has always worked to protect actors during intimate scenes, from using fishing wire instead of visible straps with regular underwear, to adding shoe insoles or part of a plushy costume inside underwear. Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2024 The Dune star, 27, who is attending this year's Oscars as a presenter, walked the red carpet in a head-turning a Giorgio Armani Privé antique rose silk gown with a single roped strap. Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 Noteworthy features: Reflective trim on the front and back for safety, adjustable chest strap to keep the weight balanced, and padded straps for ultimate comfort. Erica Puisis, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 Zoo workers used thick straps to physically shift each manatee onto a tarp-like stretcher with poles that, when suspended, creates a hammock of sorts. Jason Gulley Catrin Einhorn, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024
Verb
Her take on Aloysius is smart and uncompromising but a bit small in crucial moments, leaving the splendid Schreiber — a strapping 6-foot-3, with a tough guy’s brush cut and a thick Bronx honk — to outman her. Jesse Green, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Tourism schools were training them, but lodges didn’t want to accept them for internships—the guest expectation of a strapping male guide commanding the bulk of a Land Cruiser was just too strong. Ann Abel, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Cárdenas, 10 years Padilla’s senior, was a strapping real estate agent. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 Roan’s tattoos include a heart with a wristwatch strapped around it, as well as a cross hanging from a chain. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 But more recently, Munich, the region’s capital, has strapped on a double-Windsor and creased its trousers. . Rachel Dube, Robb Report, 2 Feb. 2024 First responders — working in shifts and teams — strapped him to stokes, wrapped him in a tarp and snaked him through the dense woods and tidal pools. Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2024 At current rates of cash burn, and absent additional financing acrobatics, SunPower will likely end up strapped again later this year. Christopher Helman, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 During the rally on Saturday, Lauren Snyder, walked around the park, a black M1-51 strapped over her blue and daisy floral print sundress. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 17 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'strap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

alteration of strop, from Middle English, band or loop of leather or rope, from Old English, thong for securing an oar, from Latin struppus band, strap, from Greek strophos twisted band, from strephein to twist

First Known Use

Noun

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of strap was in 1602

Dictionary Entries Near strap

Cite this Entry

“Strap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strap. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

strap

1 of 2 noun
1
: a band, plate, or loop of metal for tying objects together or for clamping an object in position
2
a
: a narrow usually flat strip of a flexible material and especially leather used for fastening, holding together, or wrapping
b
: something made of a strap forming a loop
boot strap
c
: a strip of leather used for whipping

strap

2 of 2 verb
strapped; strapping
1
: to fasten with or attach by a strap
2
: to beat or punish with a strap
3
4
: to cause to suffer from an extreme scarcity
I'm strapped for cash

Medical Definition

strap

1 of 2 noun
: a flexible band or strip

strap

2 of 2 transitive verb
strapped; strapping
1
: to secure with or attach by means of a strap
2
: to support (as a sprained joint) with overlapping strips of adhesive plaster
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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