stripe Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an adornment consisting of a strip of a contrasting color or material
    band; banding.
  2. noun a piece of braid, usually on the sleeve, indicating military rank or length of service
  3. noun V-shaped sleeve badge indicating military rank and service
    grade insignia; chevron; stripes.
    • they earned their stripes in Kuwait
  4. noun a kind or category
    • businessmen of every stripe joined in opposition to the proposal
  5. noun a narrow marking of a different color or texture from the background
    streak; bar.
    • a green toad with small black stripes or bars
    • may the Stars and Stripes forever wave
  6. verb mark with stripes

WordNet

Stripe noun
Etymology
OD. strijpe a stripe, streak; akin to LG. stripe, D. streep, Dan. stribe, G. strief, striefen, MHG. striefen to glide, march.
Definitions
  1. A line, or long, narrow division of anything of a different color or structure from the ground; hence, any linear variation of color or structure; as, a stripe, or streak, of red on a green ground; a raised stripe.
  2. (Weaving) A pattern produced by arranging the warp threads in sets of alternating colors, or in sets presenting some other contrast of appearance.
  3. A strip, or long, narrow piece attached to something of a different color; as, a red or blue stripe sewed upon a garment.
  4. A stroke or blow made with a whip, rod, scourge, or the like, such as usually leaves a mark.
    Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed. Deut. xxv. 3.
  5. A long, narrow discoloration of the skin made by the blow of a lash, rod, or the like.
    Cruelty marked him with inglorious stripes. Thomson.
  6. Color indicating a party or faction; hence, distinguishing characteristic; sign; likeness; sort; as, persons of the same political stripe. Colloq. U.S.
  7. pl. (Mil.) The chevron on the coat of a noncommissioned officer. To earn one's stripes, to acquire recognized credentials by competent performance at a germane task.
Stripe transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Striped ; present participle & verbal noun Striping
Definitions
  1. To make stripes upon; to form with lines of different colors or textures; to variegate with stripes.
  2. To strike; to lash. R.

Webster 1913