- 1[uncountable, countable] a thin string of cotton, wool, silk, etc. used for sewing or making cloth a needle and thread a robe embroidered with gold thread the delicate threads of a spiderweb
- 2[countable] an idea or a feature that is part of something greater; an idea that connects the different parts of something A common thread runs through these discussions. The author skillfully draws together the different threads of the plot. I lost the thread of the argument (= I could no longer follow it).
- 3[countable] thread (of something) a long thin line of something A thread of light emerged from the keyhole. a silvery thread of water
- 4[countable] (computing) a series of connected messages on a message board on the Internet which have been sent by different people
- 5[countable] the raised line that runs around the length of a screw and that allows it to be attached by twisting
- 6threads [plural] (old-fashioned) (slang) clothes Idioms
(of a person's life) to be in great danger
to return to an earlier situation or way of life after an interruption
Check pronunciation: thread