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
As cute as those flirty, back-baring outfits are, what's less cute is getting an eyeful of straps and padding. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024 There’s two adjustable straps around the ankle and top of your foot that ensure a personalized fit every time, and the sole is made with Goodyear-welting — a sure sign that these sandals are going to last you a long time (a.k.a. Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 Stuff the main compartment with clothes, then use the exterior compression straps to seal it all in. Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 Instead of minimal waist belts or straps to harness your child into the sled, the high side walls help prevent your kiddo from toppling out. Heather Balogh Rochfort, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024 The model is complete with an interchangeable strap system, adding to the versatility of this traditional ladies jewelry watch. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2024 The double strap is designed to release some of the pressure from the front of the face, because of how the lower strap supports the device from the back of the head. Lauren Goode, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2024 The watch is fitted with a high-quality leather strap that is both comfortable and secure on the driving glove or jacket, designed to withstand the vigorous movements of the wearer during high-speed races. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Once packed, adjustable straps can be assembled to hold the pods in place or function as carry straps. Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2024
Verb
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 One older woman was transported in a hospital bed that had been strapped onto a donkey cart. Abigail Williams, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2024 Mainstream media began to interpret the metaverse as a fancy buzzword for virtual reality, a medium that’s struggled to gain a foothold among consumers for the simple fact that not many people enjoy strapping heavy equipment to their faces. Gene Park, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2024 Oh, but for a quarterback, winning the Super Bowl was like strapping on rocket boosters. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 4 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 19 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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