stripe
B1Neutral/Formal
Definition
Meaning
A long, narrow band of a different colour or material from the areas on either side of it.
A chevron or other marking on a military uniform indicating rank or length of service. Figuratively, a category or type with specific characteristics (e.g., 'politicians of a different stripe').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, primarily visual/pattern-related. The metaphorical use ('of a certain stripe') is formal and abstract.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun form 'stripe' is identical. The verb 'to stripe' (mark with stripes) is more common in technical/industrial contexts in both. 'Pinstripe' (suit) is equally common. The rank indicator sense is shared in military contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, 'stripes' can colloquially refer to a football referee's kit. In the US, 'the Stars and Stripes' is the national flag.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Noun + of + stripe (politicians of a liberal stripe)Adjective + stripe (a different stripe)Verb + stripe (to stripe a surface)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Earn one's stripes (gain experience/status)”
- “Of the same stripe (of the same kind)”
- “Stars and Stripes (US flag)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to 'pinstripe suits' as formal business attire or payment company 'Stripe'.
Academic
Used in design, biology (animal markings), and social sciences for categorization.
Everyday
Describing patterns on clothing, fabrics, animals (like a tiger), or road markings.
Technical
In computing (data striping), textiles, and heraldry.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The road crew will stripe the new cycle lane tomorrow.
- The artisan striped the ceramic glaze before firing.
American English
- We need to stripe the parking lot this weekend.
- The fabric is striped with gold and blue threads.
adverb
British English
- The pattern ran stripe across the material. (Rare/poetic)
American English
- The field was painted stripe. (Rare/poetic)
adjective
British English
- He wore a rather loud stripe shirt to the party.
- The wallpaper had a subtle stripe effect.
American English
- She bought a cute stripe dress for the summer.
- The team's stripe uniforms are iconic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The shirt has blue and white stripes.
- A zebra has black and white stripes.
- She earned her stripes by working hard for five years.
- The new road has a yellow stripe down the middle.
- The debate attracted activists of all political stripes.
- The sergeant proudly displayed the three stripes on his uniform.
- The company's strategy is a hybrid, borrowing elements from both the agile and traditional stripes of management.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A tiger's STRIPE is a bold, long, and eye-catching shape.
Conceptual Metaphor
CATEGORIES ARE VISUAL PATTERNS (e.g., 'politicians of every stripe'). STATUS/EXPERIENCE IS A MARK ON A UNIFORM (e.g., 'earn your stripes').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'stripe' as a pattern and 'strip' as a long, narrow piece or to undress (which is 'полоса' vs. 'полоска'/'раздеваться').
- The idiom 'earn one's stripes' has no direct Russian equivalent; translate conceptually as 'заслужить авторитет/звание'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'stripe' (pattern) with 'strip' (long piece or remove).
- Using 'stripe' for a random blotch instead of a long band.
- Overusing the metaphorical 'of a certain stripe' in informal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stripe' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Stripe' is a regular, often parallel band of colour/pattern. 'Strip' is a long, narrow piece of material or land, or the act of removing. 'Streak' is a long, thin, usually irregular line or mark, often from motion (e.g., a streak of lightning, a winning streak).
Yes, it means 'to mark with stripes' (e.g., 'to stripe a road', 'striped fabric'). It is more common in technical/manufacturing contexts.
It is an idiom meaning to gain experience, respect, or a position through hard work and proven ability, originating from military chevrons awarded for service.
Yes, the plural is standard for multiple bands. It is also used idiomatically ('earn one's stripes') and in proper nouns ('the Stars and Stripes').
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