Definition

1. Noun:
   • A long horizontal timber connecting uprights: A structural member, typically in construction or shipbuilding, that runs horizontally to connect and support vertical posts or frames.
   • A longitudinal brace to strengthen a structure: In engineering, especially in aircraft or boat hulls, a stringer is a long, thin, load-bearing member that runs the length of the fuselage or hull to provide rigidity.
   • A worker who strings: A person whose job is to fit strings, as on a racket, musical instrument, or beads.
   • A member of a sports squad, especially a substitute: An athlete who is part of a team but is not among the primary starting players; often categorized as a "first stringer" (primary substitute) or "second stringer" (secondary substitute).

Usage Examples

• Noun (Structural):
  • The carpenter installed a new stringer to support the staircase.
  • Aircraft engineers inspected the aluminum stringers in the fuselage for any cracks.
• Noun (Occupational):
  • The factory employs a stringer to prepare all the tennis rackets.
• Noun (Sports):
  • He spent his first season as a second stringer, learning from the veterans.
  • The coach promoted the talented stringer to the starting lineup after several impressive performances.

Advanced Usage

• "Freelance stringer": In journalism, a freelance correspondent, often based in a particular location, who is not a full-time staff member but provides regular reports or articles to a news organization.
  • The newspaper relies on a stringer in the capital to cover political developments.

Variants and Related Words

• String (verb): To fit or provide with a string or strings.
  • He will string the new guitar.
• First-string (adjective): Being a regular member of the starting lineup or primary team.
  • She is the first-string goalkeeper.
• Second-string (adjective): Being a substitute or reserve player.
  • He served as the second-string quarterback.

Synonyms

• Brace: A structural support.
• Beam: A long, sturdy piece of timber or metal used in construction.
• Reserve player: A substitute athlete.
• Correspondent (in journalism): A reporter.

Related Phrases

• To be on the string: (Informal, sports) To be part of a team's squad, typically as a substitute.
  • He's been on the string for two seasons, waiting for his chance to start.

Idioms

• Pull strings: To use one's influence or connections to achieve something. (Note: This idiom uses "strings," not "stringer," but is a common phrase with the root word).
  • He had to pull some strings to get a ticket to the sold-out concert.

Noun

1. a long horizontal timber to connect uprights
2. brace consisting of a longitudinal member to strengthen a fuselage or hull
3. a worker who strings
   • a stringer of beads
4. a member of a squad on a team
   • a first stringer
   • a second stringer