stringing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumPredominantly informal/technical, but accepted in general use.
Quick answer
What does “stringing” mean?
The act of threading or arranging objects on a string.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of threading or arranging objects on a string; the continuous or repetitive action of pulling or stretching something tight.
Figuratively, the act of organizing or connecting things in a sequence or series; to keep someone in a state of uncertainty or suspense; to manipulate or deceive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor spelling preferences exist in derived nouns (e.g., 'stringer' for a journalist is equally common). The term 'stringing' in the context of racket sports (tennis, badminton) is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations for both literal and figurative uses. The idiom "stringing someone along" is equally common and carries the same negative weight.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slight edge to American English in business/political contexts for the figurative use (e.g., 'stringing together a coalition').
Grammar
How to Use “stringing” in a Sentence
[someone] is stringing [something] (e.g., beads)[someone] is stringing [someone] along[someone] is stringing together [a series of things/ideas]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stringing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's been stringing her along for months.
- They are stringing the new tennis rackets at the club.
American English
- She's stringing lights on the patio for the party.
- The politician is just stringing together empty slogans.
adjective
British English
- This is a stringing machine for badminton rackets.
- He had a stringing sense of duty that kept him going.
American English
- The stringing process for the guitar took two hours.
- A complex, stringing narrative connected all the subplots.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The manager was accused of stringing the investors along with false promises."
Academic
"The linguist analysed the process of stringing morphemes together to form words."
Everyday
"She spent the afternoon stringing fairy lights across the garden."
Technical
"The technician is stringing fibre optic cable through the conduit."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stringing”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stringing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stringing”
- Incorrect: 'He is string the lights.' Correct: 'He is stringing the lights.'
- Confusing 'stringing' (act) with 'stringy' (adjective for texture).
- Using 'stringing' as a noun for the material itself (a 'string' is the material; 'stringing' is the action).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but leans informal, especially in its figurative use ('stringing along'). The literal use (e.g., stringing cables) is standard in technical contexts.
Yes, primarily as a gerund (the activity). For example, 'The stringing of the lights took all evening.' It is not a common standalone noun for an object.
They are often synonyms for the literal action. 'Threading' often implies a finer needle-like tool, while 'stringing' implies a sturdier cord or sequence. Figuratively, only 'stringing' is used in the idiom 'stringing along.'
No, the standard IPA /ˈstrɪŋɪŋ/ is identical. The 'ng' sound is consistently /ŋ/ followed by /ɪŋ/.
The act of threading or arranging objects on a string.
Stringing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪŋɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪŋɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stringing someone along”
- “Stringing words together”
- “Stringing together a victory/win streak”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STRING of INGredients being put together. STRING-ING.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACTIVITY IS STRINGING BEADS (a purposeful, sequential assembly); DECEPTION IS KEEPING SOMEONE ON A STRING (controlled and led without freedom).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stringing' used most negatively?