: a stroke or blow with a rod or lash

stripe

2 of 3

verb

transitive verb

: to make stripes on or variegate with stripes

stripe

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
a
: a line or long narrow section differing in color or texture from parts adjoining
b(1)
: a textile design consisting of lines or bands against a plain background
(2)
: a fabric with a striped design
2
: a narrow strip of braid or embroidery usually in the shape of a bar, arc, or chevron that is worn (as on the sleeve of a military uniform) to indicate rank or length of service
3
: a distinct variety or sort : type
persons of the same political stripe

Examples of stripe in a Sentence

Noun (1) the prisoner was sentenced to receive 20 stripes with a bamboo pole Verb the children carefully striped the paper with red and blue paint Noun (2) the United States flag has seven red stripes singers of every stripe will perform at the benefit concert
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
It is made of medium-weight cotton and adorned with charming details like deep blue stripes and wide ties to accentuate the V-neckline. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025 The Red Flash even had a 14-4 advantage at the charity stripe over Alabama State, which didn’t even attempt a free throw until the final five minutes of the game. Justin Williams, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
But the real secret lies in the tomato sauce that stripes the center and top of the loaf, which is spiked with red wine. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025 Listen to this article A purple and white striped beanie hat with green accents. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stripe

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, welt, long scar, blow, probably from stripe band on a garment

Verb

Middle English, to place bands or edging on (a garment), from Middle Dutch stripan, from stripe, strepe stripe; akin to Middle High German strīfe stripe

Noun (2)

Middle English, band or stripe on a garment, in part from stripen, verb, in part from Middle Dutch stripe

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stripe was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stripe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stripe. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

: a stroke or blow with a rod or part of a whip

stripe

2 of 3 verb
: to make stripes on

stripe

3 of 3 noun
1
: a line or long narrow section differing in color or appearance from the background
2
: a piece of braid (as on the sleeve) to indicate military rank or length of service

More from Merriam-Webster on stripe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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