Strip: meaning, definitions and examples

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strip

 

[ strɪp ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

clothing

A long narrow piece of cloth, paper, plastic, or some other material.

Synonyms

band, ribbon, streak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strip

If 'strip' is repeated, it refers to the same as the first entry and indicates duplication.

  • He cut the paper into thin strips.
  • The coastal strip of land is home to many species.
  • They stripped the old paint from the walls.
band

A 'band' often refers to a thick strip, usually used to encircle something. It can also mean a group of people, typically musicians or workers. The context helps determine the meaning.

  • She wore a gold band on her wrist.
  • The band played their latest hits at the concert.
ribbon

A 'ribbon' is a narrow strip of fabric used mainly for tying or decorating. It often carries a positive connotation and is associated with gifts, decorations, or awards.

  • She tied the gift with a red ribbon.
  • The winner received a blue ribbon.
streak

A 'streak' is a long, thin line or mark that is often colorful or caused by rubbing or friction. It can also describe a pattern of behavior, particularly if it's unusual or noteworthy.

  • He had a streak of blue in his hair.
  • The car left a streak of rubber on the road.
  • She's on a winning streak in her games.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a striped silk dress.
  • He pulled off the Velcro strip on the bandage.
Context #2 | Verb

remove

Remove all coverings from something.

Synonyms

peel off, remove, take off.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strip

Use in settings where something is being completely or forcefully removed, often in layers or segments. It can also have negative connotations when referring to taking something away that one might need or value.

  • The workers had to strip the old paint from the walls before repainting.
  • She felt stripped of her dignity after the criticism.
remove

A general term suitable for any instance where an object or substance is taken away from a place or position. It is neutral and widely applicable.

  • Please remove your shoes before entering the house.
  • She removed the old files from the drawer.
take off

Commonly used for items of clothing or accessories and also for the departure of airplanes. It is casual and colloquial.

  • He took off his jacket because it was too warm.
  • The airplane took off smoothly.
peel off

Best for describing the action of removing a thin layer or cover, often in the context of fruits, vegetables, or adhesive objects like stickers.

  • She carefully peeled off the label from the bottle.
  • He peeled off the orange and handed me a slice.

Examples of usage

  • She stripped off her wet clothes.
  • He stripped the bed of its sheets.

Translations

Translations of the word "strip" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tirar

🇮🇳 पट्टी

🇩🇪 streifen

🇮🇩 mengupas

🇺🇦 смуга

🇵🇱 pasek

🇯🇵 ストリップ

🇫🇷 enlever

🇪🇸 tirar

🇹🇷 şerit

🇰🇷 스트립

🇸🇦 شريط

🇨🇿 pruh

🇸🇰 prúžok

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 trak

🇮🇸 strimla

🇰🇿 жолақ

🇬🇪 ზოლი

🇦🇿 şerit

🇲🇽 tirar

Etymology

The word 'strip' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'strypan', meaning to 'strip off, plunder'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include removing coverings or layers. In the 17th century, 'strip' also acquired the meaning of a long narrow piece of material, leading to its modern usage in clothing and other contexts.

See also: outstrip, outstripping, striped, stripped, stripper, stripping, strips, stripy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,921, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.