1
a
: a filament, a group of filaments twisted together, or a filamentous length formed by spinning and twisting short textile fibers into a continuous strand
b
: a piece of thread
2
a
: any of various natural filaments
the threads of a spiderweb
b
: a slender stream (as of water)
c
: a projecting helical rib (as in a fitting or on a pipe) by which parts can be screwed together : screw thread
3
: something continuous or drawn out: such as
a
: a line of reasoning or train of thought that connects the parts in a sequence (as of ideas or events)
lost the thread of the story
b
: a continuing element
a thread of melancholy marked all his writing
c
: a series of electronic messages (as on a message board or social media website) following a single topic or in response to a single message
4
: a tenuous or feeble support
hung on by a thread
5
threaded; threading; threads
1
a
: to pass a thread through the eye of (a needle)
b
: to arrange a thread, yarn, or lead-in piece in working position for use in (a machine)
2
a(1)
: to pass something through in the manner of a thread
thread a pipe with wire
(2)
: to pass (something, such as a tape, line, or film) into or through something
threaded a fresh roll of film into the camera
b
: to make one's way through or between
threading narrow alleys
also
: to make one's way usually cautiously through a hazardous situation
3
: to put together on or as if on a thread : string
thread beads
4
: to interweave with or as if with threads : intersperse
dark hair threaded with silver
5
: to form a screw thread on or in
threader
noun
Synonyms
Examples of thread in a Sentence
Noun
A thread was hanging from the hem of her coat.
the unwary bug was snared in the sticky threads of the spider's web
Verb
She threaded her shoelace through the holes.
thread film through a camera
They had to thread their way through the crowd.
Waiters threaded through the crowd.
a river that threads through narrow valleys
Recent Examples on the Web
Ali Faccenda, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
The addition adds contrast for form-fitting looks and elevates designer threads — like Comer’s Prada jumpsuit at her most recent red carpet event.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024
Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Note that this may mean threading them through an inconspicuous piece of cushion fabric.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for thread 
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Noun
Each door reveals new supplies for DIY activities such as assorted round beads, charms, and thread for DIY friendship bracelets, plus other gifts like nail polish and nail stickers to create festive purple, pink, blue, and yellow manicures.
—Ali Faccenda, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
The addition adds contrast for form-fitting looks and elevates designer threads — like Comer’s Prada jumpsuit at her most recent red carpet event.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
Many have been restored, re-illuminated and deeply threaded into the city’s fabric via nostalgia or necessity.
—Melinda Sheckells, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Note that this may mean threading them through an inconspicuous piece of cushion fabric.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for thread
Articles Related to thread
Dictionary Entries Near thread
Cite this Entry
“Thread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thread. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
thread
1 of 2 noun1
: a thin fine cord formed by spinning and twisting short fibers into a continuous strand
2
: something that resembles a thread
threads of a spiderweb
3
: the ridge or groove that winds around a screw
4
: a train of thought that connects the parts in a sequence (as of ideas or events)
lost the thread of the story
thread
2 of 2 verb1
: to put a thread in working position in
thread a needle
2
: to pass through in the manner of a thread
thread film through a camera
3
: to make a way through or between
a river threading narrow valleys
also
: to make (one's way) carefully
had to thread their way between the mountains
4
: to put together on a thread : string
thread beads
5
: to weave together with or as if with threads : intersperse
dark hair threaded with gray
threader
noun
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