strap

A strap is a strip of material—leather, fabric, or metal—used to fasten, carry, or support something. Think about the straps on your backpack that hold everything together, or the guitar strap that lets you play while standing. But "strap" isn't just a thing! You can also "strap down" cargo to keep it from moving during a bumpy ride, or even use the word figuratively—like saying someone is "strapped for cash," meaning they don't have much money.

A watch has a strap, luggage has straps, and sometimes, people get strapped into roller coasters! The context tells you whether we're talking about the object itself or the act of securing something with it.

The word "strap" can refer to several things, all revolving around the idea of binding, supporting, or restraining. At its most basic, a strap is a long, relatively narrow strip of material—often leather, nylon, metal, or plastic—used for fastening, carrying, or holding something in place. Think of the straps on a backpack that distribute weight across your shoulders, or the chin strap on a helmet ensuring it stays secure.

But "strap" isn't limited to physical objects. As a verb, "to strap" means to fasten or secure something with a strap. You might strap luggage onto a roof rack, strap a baby into a car seat, or strap on a helmet before getting on a bike.

Figuratively, "strap" can also mean being limited in resources. To be "strapped for cash" means you have very little money available. You might hear someone say they're "strapped for time," meaning they are busy and don't have much free time.

There is also an older or more specific sense of the verb: to hit or punish with a strap. You may see this meaning in historical writing, though it is much less common in everyday modern English.

Historically, straps were crucial for everything from holding armor together to securing saddles on horses. While technology has brought us zippers, buckles, and Velcro, the simple strap remains a versatile and reliable tool—both literally and figuratively—in our everyday lives. So, whether it's holding your belongings, keeping you safe, or describing financial hardship, "strap" is all about connection, security, and limitation.