straightedge

noun

straight·​edge ˈstrāt-ˌej How to pronounce straightedge (audio)
: a bar or piece of material (as of wood, metal, or plastic) with a straight edge for testing straight lines and surfaces or for cutting along or drawing straight lines

Examples of straightedge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Measure the width of the wallpaper piece with the measuring tape and draw a corresponding pencil line on the wall with the straightedge. Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2024 Once the entire piece has adhered to the wall, use your straightedge and a small utility knife to carefully cut along the baseboard and remove any excess. Match Patterns and Repeat When applying subsequent pieces, line up the wallpaper's pattern to ensure a seamless look. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2023 Guide the router along a straightedge to ensure each dado is perfectly straight and square to the edge. Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 24 Jan. 2023 Sarhangi created a Persian tiling pattern for the innermost and outermost regions between the decagrams, using only shapes that could be created with a straightedge and compass. Julie Rehmeyer, Discover Magazine, 10 Mar. 2014 Once the piece is applied, use a straightedge and utility knife to trim and remove the excess. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2022 Fill the ramekins completely with batter, then scrape off any excess with a straightedge for a smooth, level finish. Claire Saffitz, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2022 There’s just one issue: this problem is impossible with a straightedge and compass. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 28 Feb. 2022 The Ancient Greeks wondered about constructing lines and shapes in various ratios, using the tools of an unmarked compass and straightedge. Dave Linkletter, Popular Mechanics, 28 Jan. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'straightedge.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of straightedge was in 1795

Dictionary Entries Near straightedge

Cite this Entry

“Straightedge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straightedge. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

straightedge

noun
straight·​edge ˈstrāt-ˌej How to pronounce straightedge (audio)
: a bar or piece of wood, metal, or plastic with a straight edge for testing straight lines and surfaces or for cutting along or drawing straight lines
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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