Strand
/strænd/
Definitions
4 meaningsA single thread or length of something.
/strænd/
A single thin length of something, such as hair, fiber, or wire.
A single strand of the spider's web glistened in the morning dew.
💡 Simply: Imagine your hair. Each little piece is a strand! Like, if one little part of your hair falls in your face, that's a strand.
👶 For kids: A tiny piece of something like a hair or a string.
More Examples
She carefully gathered the loose strands of yarn.
How It's Used
"The tapestry was woven with strands of silk."
"She brushed a strand of hair from her face."
The edge of a body of water, especially the shore.
/strænd/
The shore of a sea, lake, or other large body of water.
The children played on the strand, collecting seashells.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at the beach! The strand is the sandy place right next to the water where you can build sandcastles or run around.
👶 For kids: The sandy or rocky place next to the ocean or a lake.
More Examples
The tide washed up debris onto the strand.
How It's Used
"They walked along the strand, enjoying the sea breeze."
"The hotel is located near a beautiful strand."
To leave in a helpless position; to leave without means of escape.
/strænd/
To leave (someone) in a place from which they are unable to escape.
The storm stranded the hikers in the mountains.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friends went on a trip and left you behind! Like if the bus leaves without you, you're stranded!
👶 For kids: To leave someone somewhere and they can't get away.
More Examples
The financial crisis stranded many families.
How It's Used
"The shipwreck stranded them on a desert island."
"The company was stranded by the economic downturn."
To drive or be driven ashore.
/strænd/
To run aground; to drive or be driven ashore.
The ship stranded near the coast after a navigational error.
💡 Simply: Imagine a boat getting stuck on the sand. It's stranded, meaning it can't move and is stuck.
👶 For kids: When a boat gets stuck on the beach.
More Examples
The whale stranded itself on the beach during low tide.
How It's Used
"The ship stranded on the reef."
"Whales occasionally strand themselves on beaches."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
a strand of fate
A connection that influences the events of someone's life.
"There seemed to be a strand of fate weaving through their lives, bringing them together."
From Old English *strand* 'shore, bank', related to Dutch *strand*, German *Strand*, all from a Germanic root meaning 'edge, border'.
The word 'strand' has been used since Old English, evolving from referring to the edge or border of land, eventually describing the shore, and then extended metaphorically to situations where one is left in a difficult position.
Memory tip
Think of a single thread in a rope.
Word Origin
"'shore', 'edge', or 'border'"