Category: GeneralPart of speech: nounDifficulty: Common

thread

/thread/Roman
US/ˈθɹɛd/
UK/θɹˈɛd/

English meaning: Thread

Definition

A long, thin and flexible form of material, generally with a round cross-section, used in sewing, weaving or in the construction of string.

Example

“She pulled a loose thread from the hem of her dress.”

Another example: “I started a new thread on the forum to ask about the bug.”

Usage — When, Where & How

Common, everyday word in both literal (sewing, fabric) and figurative senses; in computing and online forums it refers to a connected sequence of messages. Neutral register.

Etymology & Origin

English — Origin & History

From Old English 'thrǣd', from Proto-Germanic '*þrēduz' meaning a twisted filament, related to 'throw'; pre-12th century.

Synonyms

  • yarn
  • weave
  • string
  • wind
  • ribbon
  • train of thought
  • screw thread
  • meander

Related Words

  • threads
  • weft
  • bobbin
  • threaded
  • yarn
  • embroidery
  • stitches
  • stitch
  • screw
  • warp

Common Collocations

  • needle and thread
  • thread of conversation
  • lose the thread
  • spool of thread
  • thread a needle
  • common thread

Word Forms

thread (n); threads (pl); thread, threaded, threading (v)

Word Tools

1 syllable

Literary Heritage

“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”

/To thine own self be true/

“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”

William Shakespeare · Playwright & Poet · 1564–1616

Hamlet, Act II

Hamlet, II.i — Polonius's parting words to Laertes; the most quoted line in Shakespeare

“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”

/I'm nobody! Who are you?/

“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”

Emily Dickinson · Poet · 1830–1886

Poems

Poem 288 — Dickinson's subversive celebration of solitude over social recognition

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Language information

Language
English
English
Script
Latin
Family
Indo-European
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