Definition

Noun: 1. A type of marine fish, valued for both food and sport, characterized by prominent dark longitudinal stripes along its body. It migrates from saltwater into freshwater rivers to spawn. Scientifically, it is sometimes classified within the genus Morone. 2. A colloquial term for a serviceman (especially in the navy or coast guard) whose uniform sleeve displays stripes, which indicate their rank or length of service.

Examples

• Noun (Fish):
  • We went fishing for striper in the bay this morning.
  • The striper population is carefully managed due to its importance to both ecology and the fishing industry.
• Noun (Serviceman):
  • The young sailor saluted the experienced striper.
  • He's a seasoned four-striper, commanding great respect on the ship.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in compound forms to specify the fish species, such as striped bass (the most common name for the fish) or rockfish (a regional name).
• In military contexts, the term is frequently combined with a number to specify rank precisely, e.g., a three-striper is often a petty officer or sergeant.

Variants and Related Words

• Striped bass: The most common formal name for the fish .
• Rockfish: A regional name for the striped bass, primarily used in the Chesapeake Bay area.

Synonyms

• For the fish: striped bass, rockfish.
• For the serviceman: non-commissioned officer, petty officer (context-dependent on the number of stripes).

Related Phrases

• Four-striper: Specifically refers to a captain in the navy or a senior officer with four stripes on their uniform.
• Earning one's stripes: An idiom meaning to gain experience or prove one's worth, related to the military practice of awarding service stripes.

Noun

1. marine food and game fish with dark longitudinal stripes; migrates upriver to spawn; sometimes placed in the genus Morone
2. caught along the Atlantic coast of the United States
3. a serviceman who wears stripes on the uniform to indicate rank or years of service
   • he's a four-striper