thread
verb/θred/
/θred/
Verb Forms
present simple I / you / we / they thread | /θred/ /θred/ |
he / she / it threads | /θredz/ /θredz/ |
past simple threaded | /ˈθredɪd/ /ˈθredɪd/ |
past participle threaded | /ˈθredɪd/ /ˈθredɪd/ |
-ing form threading | /ˈθredɪŋ/ /ˈθredɪŋ/ |
- [transitive] thread something (+ adv./prep.) to pass something long and thin, especially thread, through a narrow opening or hole
- to thread a needle (with cotton)
- to thread cotton through a needle
- A tiny wire is threaded through a vein to the heart.
Take your English to the next level
The Oxford Learner’s Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app
- [intransitive, transitive] to move or make something move through a narrow space, avoiding things that are in the way synonym pick your way
- + adv./prep. The waiters threaded between the crowded tables.
- thread your way + adv./prep. It took me a long time to thread my way through the crowd.
- [transitive] thread something (onto something) to join two or more objects together by passing something long and thin through them
- to thread beads (onto a string)
- Thread the cubes of meat and vegetables onto metal skewers.
- [transitive] thread something to pass film, tape, string, etc. through parts of a piece of equipment so that it is ready to use
- [transitive, usually passive] thread something (with something) to sew or twist a particular type of thread into something
- a robe threaded with gold and silver
Word OriginOld English thrǣd (noun), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch draad and German Draht, also to the verb throw. The verb dates from late Middle English.
Check pronunciation:
thread