Definition

1. Noun:

   • A long, narrow band or line of a different color or texture from the surface on either side of it: A stripe is a linear marking that contrasts with its background.
   • A chevron or band worn on a uniform, especially on the sleeve, to indicate military rank or length of service: In military contexts, a stripe is a badge of rank or service.
   • A type, sort, or category (often used in the plural 'stripes'): Figuratively, 'stripe' can refer to a particular kind or class of people or things.

2. Verb:

   • To mark with stripes: The action of adding stripes to something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The tiger's fur has distinctive black stripes on an orange background.
  • The sergeant added another stripe to his uniform after five years of service.
  • Politicians of every stripe attended the conference.

• Verb:

  • The designer decided to stripe the fabric with alternating shades of blue.

Advanced Usage

• "Earn one's stripes": To gain a position or right through hard work and proven experience.

  • She really earned her stripes by successfully managing that difficult project.

• "Of all stripes" / "of every stripe": Of all kinds or varieties.

  • The festival attracted artists of all stripes.

Variants and Related Words

• Striped (adj): Having stripes.

  • He wore a striped tie to the interview.

• Stripy (adj): Informal variant of 'striped'.

  • The child's stripy socks were brightly colored.

Synonyms

• Noun: Band, line, streak, bar, chevron (for rank), category, ilk, persuasion.
• Verb: Streak, band, striate.

Related Phrases

• The Stars and Stripes: A nickname for the flag of the United States of America.

Idioms

• Show one's true stripes: To reveal one's true character or intentions, especially when they are bad. (Note: This is a variant of the more common idiom "show one's true colors").
  • He showed his true stripes when he blamed his team for the failure.

Noun

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

Verb

1. mark with stripes