- [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 spider’s web
- You've pulled a thread in your jumper.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- strong
- delicate
- fine
- …
- length
- piece
- spin
- pull
- cut
- …
- hanging by a thread
- needle and thread
Definitions on the go
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- [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 skilfully draws together the different threads of the plot.
- I lost the thread of the argument (= I could no longer follow it).
- The speaker lost his thread (= forgot what he wanted to say) halfway through the talk.
Extra Examples- As the film progresses, the threads of the plot slowly begin to unravel.
- I found it hard to follow the main thread of his argument.
- On studying the different historians' accounts, common threads emerge.
- Apart from one or two loose threads, the police now had the complete picture of what happened.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- central
- main
- common
- …
- have
- follow
- trace
- …
- run through something
- connect
- link
- …
- [countable] thread (of something) a long, thin line of something
- A thread of light emerged from the keyhole.
- a silvery thread of water
- Thin threads of blood glittered on his forehead and cheeks.
- [countable] (computing) a series of connected messages on email, social media, etc. that have been sent by different peopleTopics Phones, email and the internetc1Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
- comment
- discussion
- open
- start
- [countable] the raised line that runs around the length of a screw and that allows it to be fixed in place by twisting
- threads[plural] (North American English, old-fashioned, informal) clothes
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.
Idioms
See thread in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee thread in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englishhang by a hair/thread
- (of a person’s life) to be in great dangerTopics Dangerc2
pick up the threads
- to return to an earlier situation or way of life after a period doing something else
Check pronunciation:
thread