strider: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Descriptive, Literary, Scientific (entomology)
Quick answer
What does “strider” mean?
A person or creature that walks with long, decisive, and often quick steps.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or creature that walks with long, decisive, and often quick steps.
An insect of the family Gerridae (water strider) that walks on the surface of water. More generally, any being that moves with a long, confident, or energetic stride.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning. The insect is also commonly called a 'pond-skater' in British English.
Connotations
Slightly more literary in the human sense in both variants. The insect sense is more common in everyday speech.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects. More likely encountered in nature writing or literature.
Grammar
How to Use “strider” in a Sentence
[be] a strider[move like] a strider[observe] the striderVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strider” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable - 'strider' is a noun.)
American English
- (Not applicable - 'strider' is a noun.)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable - 'strider' is a noun.)
American English
- (Not applicable - 'strider' is a noun.)
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable - 'strider' is a noun.)
American English
- (Not applicable - 'strider' is a noun.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Possibly metaphorical: 'He was a strider through the corporate ranks.'
Academic
Used in biological texts for the insect family Gerridae.
Everyday
Most common when referring to the water-walking insect.
Technical
Primarily entomology (water strider).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strider”
- Confusing with 'strider' as a brand name or fictional character. Using as a common synonym for 'walker'. Incorrect plural: 'striders' is correct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a low-frequency word. You'll most likely encounter it in nature contexts or descriptive writing.
Yes, but it implies long, purposeful steps, not just speed. A 'speed-walker' might be more precise for pure velocity.
A 'hiker' implies walking in nature, often for pleasure. A 'strider' focuses on the *manner* of walking (long steps) and can be done anywhere.
Yes, 'to stride' is the verb meaning to walk with long, decisive steps. 'Strider' is the noun derived from it.
A person or creature that walks with long, decisive, and often quick steps.
Strider is usually descriptive, literary, scientific (entomology) in register.
Strider: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstraɪ.də(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstraɪ.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none specific to this word)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of STRIDe + ER = one who takes long STRIDes.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS A LONG-STEPPED WALK ('a strider towards success'), ELEGANCE IS EFFORTLESS MOVEMENT OVER DIFFICULTY ('a strider on water').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'strider' used technically?