WordGarden.iostreak
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /strˈiːk/
US
- /ˈstrik/
Meanings
Noun
a continuous run of similar outcomes, especially successes or failures
a long thin line or band of color, light, dirt, or another visible substance
a noticeable element of a person's character or behavior
Verb
to move very quickly through or across a place
to mark or color something with long thin lines or bands
Beyond the definition
A streak is usually a run of something that keeps happening for a while. Often, it is a series of wins, losses, or days when the same thing continues, like a winning streak, a losing streak, or a streak of good grades. It can also be a long, thin mark or line, such as a streak of mud on a window or a streak of silver in someone's hair. In another common use, it can mean a strong part of someone's character, like a stubborn streak or a playful streak. Whether it is about repeated events, a visible line, or a personal trait, the idea is something noticeable that continues through time or space.
A streak refers to a period when something keeps happening in a row, or to a long, thin line that stands out from what is around it. Most commonly, we use it to describe a sequence of events. For example: "The baseball player was on a hitting streak, getting a hit in every game for two weeks." Or, "She had kept up her morning walk for months, but rain finally broke the streak."
Streaks are not limited to success. They can describe any pattern that continues for some time. You might hear about a cold streak in sports, a lucky streak at the casino, or a streak of rainy days. The word often carries emotional weight, especially when people talk about habits and goals. Keeping a streak going can feel rewarding and motivating, while breaking it can feel like losing momentum.
To fully understand "streak," you also need to look at its physical and personal uses. Physically, it is a long, narrow mark or smear, such as a streak of mud on a car or a streak of light across the night sky. Figuratively, it describes a clear part of someone's character, like a rebellious streak or a competitive streak, suggesting a trait that shows up again and again. Whether you are celebrating a winning run, wiping away a streak of dirt, or noticing a stubborn streak in a friend, the word always points to something visible or noticeable that runs through events, appearance, or personality.
Examples
- 1
Color in sky
There was a bright streak of orange in the sky at sunset.
- 2
Hair color
She found a silver streak in her hair this morning.
- 3
Tear marks
His face was streaked with tears.
- Patternstreaked with + substance
marked by long lines of it
- 4
Sports success
The team is on a six-game winning streak.
- Phraseon a winning streak
winning again and again for a period of time
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Bad luck
I was on a bad streak and kept dropping things all day.
- 6
Personality trait
He has a stubborn streak and rarely changes his mind.
- Patterna + adjective + streak
that side of someone's character
- 7
Competitive nature
Beneath her calm manner, there's a very competitive streak.
- 8
Fast movement
A meteor streaked across the sky just before dawn.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- streaknounverb
Forms
- streakspluralnounverb
- streakedpast tenseverbnoun
- streaking-ing formverbnoun