strait-laced

or straight-laced

[ streyt-leyst ]

adjective

1. excessively strict in conduct or morality; puritanical; prudish:

   strait-laced censors.

2. tightly laced, as a bodice.
3. wearing tightly laced garments.

strait-laced

adjective

1. prudish or puritanical

Other Words From

• strait-laced·ly [streyt, -, ley, -sid-lee, -, leyst, -lee], adverb
• strait-laced·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of strait-laced¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

That article traced her journey from childhood as a male in New York’s strait-laced Westchester County to her decision to transition.

From Los Angeles Times

But the very existence of the film, which is loosely based on a seemingly strait-laced community college instructor who moonlighted as a fake assassin for the Houston police, proves just how much they fascinate us.

From New York Times

Singapore was once known as an affluent and strait-laced city-state.

From New York Times

At the center of the show was the relationship between Richie and Fonzie, the strait-laced kid and the guy with the jacket.

From New York Times

Last year, they were the strait-laced girl who had detailed notes, flash cards and pens for the borrowing; this year, the burnout who shows up at the end and aces the final?

From Seattle Times