Meaning & use
drawstrings
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“drawstrings” is a form of “drawstring”.
Meaning
nouncountable
Cords or strings that you pull to tighten or close something, such as a bag or piece of clothing.
Grammar: Countable noun; usually plural because there are often two strings, but the singular 'drawstring' is also used.
Patterns
- pull the drawstrings
- tie the drawstrings
- drawstrings on something
She pulled the drawstrings to close the bag.
The hoodie has drawstrings that hang down in front.
He tied the drawstrings of his sweatpants tightly.
Word forms
| singular | drawstring |
|---|
Common combinations
- pull the drawstrings
- Pull the drawstrings to make the hood fit snugly.
- tie the drawstrings
- He tied the drawstrings in a bow.
- drawstrings on a bag
- The drawstrings on the bag broke.
- adjustable drawstrings
- The jacket has adjustable drawstrings at the waist.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cords
- A more general word for thick strings, often used for drawstrings but can refer to other types of cord too.
- laces
- Usually for shoes or boots; drawstrings are typically for bags, hoods, or waistbands.
Word family
- drawstring noun
- Singular form; one string or the pair considered as a unit.
Commonly confused: drawstrings or drawstring?
drawstrings vs drawstring
The singular is used for one string or the whole fastening; 'drawstrings' is plural.
Practice
She tightened the ______ on her backpack so nothing would fall out.
Choose one answer.
Drawstrings are pulled to close a bag. Buttons and zippers are fasteners but not pulled tight in the same way; laces are for shoes.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “drawstrings”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.