strap

strap — noun

1. a narrow band cut from strong material such as leather or cloth, used for securi

1.nounB1
Definition

a narrow band cut from strong material such as leather or cloth, used for securing an object or keeping it in position

Example

Rania adjusted the strap on her backpack so it sat more comfortably on her shoulders.

collocation: strap on [bag/garment]

A loose strap made one side of the suitcase flap open on the bus.

Common collocations
  • leather strap
  • nylon strap
  • shoulder strap
  • strap on
  • strap of
Synonyms
  • belt

    usually refers to a strap worn around the waist, not used for carrying or securing luggage

  • band

    a broader category that includes any flat strip; less specific to fastening function

  • strip

    a long narrow piece of any material, not necessarily used for fastening

Grammar Patterns

strap + of + material

strap + on/for + noun

2. used as part of a compound word to name an item that has a strap attached to it,

2.nounB1
Definition

used as part of a compound word to name an item that has a strap attached to it, such as a watch strap, shoulder strap, or ankle strap

Example

Christopher replaced the worn leather band on his wristwatch with a new metal strap.

compound: watch strap

A handbag with a wide shoulder strap is easier to carry than one without.

Common collocations
  • watch strap
  • shoulder strap
  • ankle strap
  • guitar strap

Grammar Patterns

[noun] + strap

Usage Note

Common in compound forms such as 'watch strap', 'shoulder strap', 'ankle strap', and 'guitar strap'. The first noun describes where the strap is located or what it supports.

3. a loop made of strong material that hangs overhead inside public vehicles, such

3.nounB1
Definition

a loop made of strong material that hangs overhead inside public vehicles, such as buses and trains, for standing passengers to grip for stability

Example

Tomás grabbed a hanging strap when the subway train lurched forward suddenly.

domain: public transport

The bus was so full that passengers were holding two straps just to stay upright.

Common collocations
  • hanging strap
  • overhead strap
  • grab strap
  • hold onto the strap
Synonyms
  • hanging loop

    more descriptive term for the same object; less common in everyday speech

  • overhead handle

    used for horizontal bars; straps are specifically the looped material

Usage Note

Commonly found on public transportation. Also called a 'hanging loop' or 'overhead strap'.

4. a gun (slang term used in informal or street language, especially in urban conte

4.nounC1
Definition

a gun (slang term used in informal or street language, especially in urban contexts)

Example

In the crime novel, the detective finds a strap hidden under the driver's seat.

informal slang register

The police officer found a loaded strap under the front seat.

collocation: loaded strap

Common collocations
  • carry a strap
  • pull a strap
Synonyms
  • gun

    neutral, standard term; not slang and appropriate in all contexts

  • piece

    another informal slang term for a firearm

  • firearm

    formal or technical term for a gun

Usage Note

Highly informal slang. Inappropriate for formal writing, academic contexts, or polite conversation. Most English learners only need to recognise this sense, not actively use it.

5. a length of animal hide fashioned as a whip for punishing people, especially in

5.nounC1
Definition

a length of animal hide fashioned as a whip for punishing people, especially in historical schools or correctional facilities

Example

In the past, some headteachers kept a leather strap in their office for punishing students.

historical context

A worn leather strap used on prisoners hung in the museum display case.

Common collocations
  • leather strap
  • the strap (as punishment)
  • use the strap on
Synonyms
  • whip

    more general term that can be made of various materials; strap is a specific type of whip

  • lash

    emphasises the act of striking rather than the object itself

  • belt

    similar object but not specifically designed for punishment

Usage Note

Often associated with historical or institutional punishment. In modern contexts, 'strap' is rarely used for physical punishment outside of certain legal systems.

strap — verb

Word family

  • strapped
    adjectiveB2
  • strapless
    adjectiveB2
  • strapping
    adjectiveC1
  • strap-on
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe long, narrow pieces of material, but each has a different typical use. A 'strap' (B1) is specifically designed for fastening, securing, or carrying — it often comes with buckles, clips, or holes (e.g. a watch strap, a shoulder strap). A 'belt' (A2) is primarily worn around the waist to hold up clothing, though it can also be used more loosely for any encircling band (e.g. a seat belt, a conveyor belt). A 'band' (B1) is a broader, flatter strip used for binding or grouping items together (e.g. a rubber band, a hair band) and is less likely to have a buckle. A 'strip' (B1) is simply any long narrow piece of material cut from a larger sheet (e.g. a strip of fabric, a strip of paper) without implying a fastening function. In short: if it fastens or carries, it is a strap; if it holds up trousers, it is a belt; if it encircles loosely, it is a band; if it is just a cut piece, it is a strip. For example: 'The doctor used a cloth strap to secure the patient's arm to the board' vs 'The musician wore a leather belt and a wide silver band around his wrist.'

strap ↗belt ↗band ↗strip

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • strap in
  • strap on
  • strap down
  • strap up
  • strap together

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinOld EnglishEnglish

The word 'strap' entered English from Old English 'stropp', which meant a band or a strip of material used for tying or fastening. This came from Latin 'stroppus', meaning a twisted band or cord. The Latin word itself was borrowed from Greek 'strophos', which referred to a twisted cord or band. The meaning has stayed very close to its original sense for over a thousand years, though modern English has added specialised uses like the hanging strap on public transport (mid-1800s) and the informal slang meaning of 'gun' (late 1900s).