stride

[ strahyd ]

verb (used without object)

, strode [strohd], strid·den [strid, -n], strid·ing.

1. to walk with long steps, as with vigor, haste, impatience, or arrogance.
2. to take a long step:

   to stride across a puddle.

3. to straddle.

verb (used with object)

, strode [strohd], strid·den [strid, -n], strid·ing.

1. to walk with long steps along, on, through, over, etc.:

   to stride the deck.

2. to pass over or across in one long step:

   to stride a ditch.

3. to straddle.

noun

1. a striding manner or a striding gait.
2. a long step in walking.
3. (in animal locomotion) the act of progressive movement completed when all the feet are returned to the same relative position as at the beginning.
4. the distance covered by such a movement:

   He was walking a stride or two ahead of the others.

5. a regular or steady course, pace, etc.
6. a step forward in development or progress:

   rapid strides in mastering algebra.

   Synonyms: improvement, headway, progress, development, advancement

7. strides, Australian Informal. trousers.

stride

/ straɪd /

noun

1. a long step or pace
2. the space measured by such a step
3. a striding gait
4. an act of forward movement by an animal, completed when the legs have returned to their initial relative positions
5. progress or development (esp in the phrase make rapid strides )
6. a regular pace or rate of progress

   to be put off one's stride

   to get into one's stride

7. rowing the distance covered between strokes
8. Also calledstride piano jazz a piano style characterized by single bass notes on the first and third beats and chords on the second and fourth
9. informal.
   plural men's trousers
10. take something in one's stride
    to do something without difficulty or effort

verb

1. intr to walk with long regular or measured paces, as in haste, etc
2. tr to cover or traverse by striding

   he strode thirty miles

3. often foll byover, across, etc to cross (over a space, obstacle, etc) with a stride
4. intr rowing to achieve the desired rhythm in a racing shell

Derived Forms

• ˈstrider, noun

Other Words From

• strid·er noun
• strid·ing·ly adverb
• out·stride verb (used with object) outstrode outstridden outstriding

Word History and Origins

Origin of stride¹

First recorded before 900; (verb) Middle English striden, Old English strīdan; cognate with Dutch strijden, Low German strīden “to stride”; (noun) Middle English stride, derivative of the verb; akin to straddle

Word History and Origins

Origin of stride¹

Old English strīdan; related to Old High German strītan to quarrel; see straddle

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. hit one's stride,
   1. to achieve a regular or steady pace or course.
   2. to reach the point or level at which one functions most competently and consistently:

      The quarterback didn't hit his stride until the second half of the game.

2. take in stride, to deal with calmly; cope with successfully:

   She was able to take her sudden rise to fame in stride.

More idioms and phrases containing stride

see hit one's stride ; make great strides ; take in stride .

Example Sentences

The 28-year-old has developed his game over the years and continually made strides to improve.

From BBC

"As we get a better grasp on identifying and measuring these diverse circulating molecules in our bodies and how they're metabolized, we could make huge strides in personalizing medicine accordingly," says Metallo.

From Science Daily

Certainly, the Bulgarians have made strides in policing their side of the border.

From BBC

Seated in a conference room at Disney’s Burbank studio, Jenkins is as chill as the boy in the picture — excited but also relaxed, taking this moment in stride.

From Los Angeles Times

He strode into the postgame press conference room with an easy smile while offering the sort of what’s-up greeting that one doesn’t normally get from nervous young quarterbacks.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• stalk
• traipse
• tramp