1 strap | Definition of strap

strap

noun
\ ˈstrap How to pronounce strap (audio) \

Definition of strap

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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 Irish : trollop

strap

verb
strapped; strapping

Definition of strap (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a(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

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from strap

Noun

strappy \ ˈstra-​pē How to pronounce strappy (audio) \ adjective

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.
See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

No more having to pull up my bra all day, very comfortable bands & no more uncomfortable feeling wearing a bra without the straps. Susan Brickell, Health.com, "Lizzo Is Feeling Good as Hell as She Flaunts Her Cleavage in This Amazing Strapless Bra," 6 Sep. 2019 The divider is great for separating pants and shirts, the pouches are perfect for intimates and underwear, and the straps keep everything in their place. Noelle Ike, CNN Underscored, "This carry-on suitcase has all the features you want for less than $200," 14 Aug. 2019 Two songs later, the music stops, the thick velcro straps come off, and we're freed from our mechanical prisons. Michael Calore, WIRED, "Strap on Your Exoskeleton and Dance, Dance, Dance," 30 July 2019 Its zinc top echoes the decorative zinc straps over the range. Marni Elyse Katz, BostonGlobe.com, "A canine connection is the driving force behind this Newport remodel," 19 July 2019 But this shopper suggests putting the straps through the luggage handle to prevent them from slipping off and causing any issues. Tainaya Nash, House Beautiful, "This Wine Suitcase is What You Didn’t Know You Needed For Your Next Vacation," 2 July 2019 Rousey defeated Tate, who would become a career rival, in 4:27 of the first round on March 3, 2012 to win the strap. Grant Gordon, latimes.com, ""Rowdy" Ronda Rousey headed to UFC Hall of Fame," 10 June 2018 Anna Kinlock, 17, was at the Brooklyn Museum the other day wearing mid-calf black leather platform boots with small silver spikes, buckle straps and five-inch heels. Hayley Krischer, New York Times, "Beyond Androgyny: Nonbinary Teenage Fashion," 14 Aug. 2019 Megan Ross said perfecting the strap and size of the ice pack alone were long processes. Sarah Min, CBS News, "Family entrepreneurs turn kids' head injuries into business opportunity," 10 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Glass lifted her right leg twice as Marsh tried to strap her legs in the chair. Adam Ferrise, cleveland.com, "Cuyahoga County Jail officer indicted, accused of trying to extort other officer to testify on his behalf," 29 Aug. 2019 The unthinkable happened at a Florida amusement park when a slingshot ride broke while two passengers were strapped in and ready to ride. Ricky Pinela, orlandosentinel.com, "Video: Bungee cord snaps on Florida slingshot ride as riders were about to launch," 20 Aug. 2019 On May 6, authorities found her body in the river — still strapped in the driver’s seat of her black SUV. Dana Hedgpeth, Washington Post, "Woman found in submerged SUV in Potomac River died of accidental drowning, officials say," 19 Aug. 2019 Two boys, Abdelkarim, 8, and Elhassan, 13, couldn't swim and were strapped in child seats. CBS News, "Dad who drove kids with autism off L.A. pier charged with murder," 18 July 2019 After a five-day search, the bodies of the three victims were recovered from 116 feet of water, still strapped in their seats. Jaclyn Reiss, BostonGlobe.com, "A look back at JFK Jr.’s life and death on the 20th anniversary of his plane crash off Martha’s Vineyard," 16 July 2019 But kicking up your contributions shouldn't stretch you so thin that you're financially strapped in the present. Marianne Hayes, Redbook, "How Much Money Do You Really Need to Retire?," 9 July 2018 First Cookie helps me strap the monofin — like a flipper for both of your feet — around my ankles. Elizabeth Kiefer, The Know, "“Mermaiding” is both a thing and suddenly everywhere. But is it a real workout?," 17 Aug. 2019 When Brown refused, hospital staff strapped him down, administered a sedative to him, and performed the anoscopy, the opinion said. Sarah Horner, Twin Cities, "State Supreme Court rules against forced body cavity search," 15 Aug. 2019

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

See More

First Known Use of strap

Noun

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

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

History and Etymology for strap

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

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for strap

strap

noun

English Language Learners Definition of strap

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a narrow and usually flat piece of a material that is used for fastening, holding together, or wrapping something

strap

verb

English Language Learners Definition of strap (Entry 2 of 2)

: to fasten (someone or something) by using a strap
chiefly British : to wrap (an injured or broken part of the body) with bandages

strap

noun
\ ˈstrap How to pronounce strap (audio) \

Kids Definition of strap

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a narrow strip of flexible material used especially for fastening, holding together, or wrapping

strap

verb
strapped; strapping

Kids Definition of strap (Entry 2 of 2)