1 straight-arrow | Definition of straight-arrow

straight arrow

noun

Definition of straight arrow

: a person who lives by rigidly proper or conventional standards

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Other Words from straight arrow

straight-arrow \ ˈstrāt-​ˌer-​(ˌ)ō How to pronounce straight-arrow (audio) , -​ˌa-​(ˌ)rō \ adjective

Examples of straight arrow in a Sentence

He doesn't drink or smoke. He's a real straight arrow.

Recent Examples on the Web

The goal was to challenge the all-too-intuitive picture of a straight arrow going from cause to effect as far too simplistic to describe the real world. Quanta Magazine, "Solution: ‘The Slippery Math of Causation’," 29 June 2018 Everybody, except for me, everybody is straight arrow. Steve Marinucci, Billboard, "Mike Nesmith Reflects on His Weed-Fueled, Post-Monkees Project First National Band & New Memoir," 31 May 2018 The straight arrow of Franco's brothers, Vincent, is a divorced dad trying to get by, whose financial need puts him in business with some shady characters. Brian Lowry, CNN, "'The Deuce' review: HBO drama on porn's rise deals aces," 7 Sep. 2017 If Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is the closest a live-action sitcom has come to The Simpsons, then Diggs is its Frank Grimes, the sputtering straight arrow who was driven into an early grave by Homer’s inexplicable accomplishments. Sam Adams, Slate Magazine, "Season 3 is so dense with jokes that it’s hard to watch too many episodes in one sitting. Also, it’s glorious.," 19 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'straight arrow.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of straight arrow

1969, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for straight arrow

from the expression straight as an arrow

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