Thread vs. String — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on July 8, 2024
Thread is a thin strand of material used in sewing or weaving, while string is a thicker, stronger cord used for tying or binding.
Difference Between Thread and String
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Threads are typically made from materials like cotton, silk, wool, or synthetic fibers and are used in sewing to join pieces of fabric together or in weaving to create fabric. The fineness and strength of the thread are suited to its purpose in textiles, ensuring that it can be used in delicate fabrics without being visible or in stronger materials for durability. On the other hand, string, often made from twisted fibers, is more robust and versatile, used in various applications from packaging to crafts. Its thickness and strength make it unsuitable for tasks requiring delicacy, such as sewing, but ideal for securing items or bundling objects together.
While thread is essential in the textile industry for creating and repairing garments, string finds broader use in everyday life, including in the home, garden, and various industries for bundling, tying, and hanging. The choice between thread and string depends on the required strength, flexibility, and the nature of the task at hand.
In terms of appearance, threads are usually finer and can come in a wide range of colors to match or complement fabrics. Strings, being thicker, might be less varied in color but are more focused on strength and utility rather than aesthetics.
Both thread and string can be made from a variety of materials, but the process and treatment of these materials can differ significantly to produce the desired characteristics of fineness, strength, flexibility, or color.
Comparison Chart
Thickness
Thin strands suitable for textiles
Thicker, stronger cords
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Primary Use
Sewing, weaving, and textile manufacturing
Tying, binding, and general utility
Material
Cotton, silk, wool, synthetic fibers
Various fibers, often twisted for strength
Appearance
Fine and often colored to match fabrics
Thicker and more focused on utility
Characteristics
Designed for delicacy and blending into fabrics
Durable and versatile for multiple uses
Compare with Definitions
Thread
A fine strand used primarily in sewing and weaving.
She chose a strong cotton thread to sew the torn seam of her dress.
String
A thicker cord used for tying, binding, and crafting.
He used a strong string to tie the package securely before mailing it.
Thread
Can be made from natural or synthetic materials.
Synthetic threads are often used for their durability and resistance to wear.
String
More robust and versatile than thread, suited for general utility.
In the garden, she used string to support the growing plants.
Thread
Available in a wide range of colors to complement materials.
For the quilt, she selected threads in vibrant colors to enhance the patchwork design.
String
Primarily focused on functional use rather than aesthetics.
For the outdoor banners, they chose a durable string that could withstand the elements.
Thread
Essential for textile manufacturing and garment repair.
The tailor used threads of various colors to match the fabric of each garment perfectly.
String
Often made by twisting together fibers to increase strength.
The thick string, made from twisted jute fibers, was perfect for the heavy-duty task.
Thread
Designed to be thin and sometimes almost invisible in fabric.
The skilled seamstress used a fine thread that was virtually invisible in the delicate silk.
String
Not typically used in sewing due to its thickness.
The string was too thick to pass through the eye of a sewing needle.
Thread
Fine cord of a fibrous material, such as cotton or flax, made of two or more filaments twisted together and used in needlework and the weaving of cloth.
String
Material made of drawn-out, twisted fiber, used for fastening, tying, or lacing.
Thread
A piece of such cord.
String
A strand or cord of such material.
Thread
A thin strand, cord, or filament of natural or manufactured material.
String
A cord stretched on an instrument and struck, plucked, or bowed to produce tones.
Thread
Something that suggests the fineness or thinness of such a strand, cord, or filament
A thread of smoke.
String
Strings The section of a band or orchestra composed of stringed instruments, especially violins, violas, cellos, and double basses.
Thread
Something that suggests the continuousness of such a strand, cord, or filament
Lost the thread of his argument.
String
Strings Stringed instruments or their players considered as a group.
Thread
A helical or spiral ridge on a screw, nut, or bolt.
String
Something resembling a string or appearing as a long, thin line
Limp strings of hair.
Thread
A portion of a program that can run independently of and concurrently with other portions of the program.
String
A plant fiber.
Thread
A set of posts on a newsgroup, composed of an initial post about a topic and all responses to it.
String
(Physics) One of the extremely minute objects that form the basis of string theory.
Thread
Threads(Slang)Clothes.
String
A set of objects threaded together or attached on a string
A string of beads.
Thread
To pass one end of a thread through the eye of (a needle, for example).
String
A number of objects arranged in a line
A string of islands.
Thread
To pass (something) through in the manner of a thread
Thread the wire through the opening.
String
(Computers) A set of consecutive characters.
Thread
To pass a tape or film into or through (a device)
Thread a film projector.
String
A series of similar or related acts, events, or items
A string of victories.
Thread
To pass (a tape or film) into or through a device.
String
A set of animals, especially racehorses, belonging to a single owner; a stable.
Thread
To connect by running a thread through; string
Thread beads.
String
A scattered group of businesses under a single ownership or management
A string of boutiques.
Thread
(Sports) To throw or send (a pass) through a heavily defended area to a teammate.
String
A group of players ranked according to ability within a team
He made the second string.
Thread
To make one's way cautiously through
Threading dark alleys.
String
A complete game consisting of ten frames in bowling.
Thread
To make (one's way) cautiously through something.
String
A stringboard.
Thread
To occur here and there throughout; pervade
“More than 90 geologic faults thread the Los Angeles area” (Science News).
String
A stringcourse.
Thread
To machine a thread on (a screw, nut, or bolt).
String
(Games) The balk line in billiards.
Thread
To remove (body hair) by using a looped thread that has been wound tightly in the middle.
String
(Informal) A limiting or hidden condition. Often used in the plural
A gift with no strings attached.
Thread
To make one's way cautiously
Threaded through the shoals and sandbars.
String
To fit or furnish with strings or a string
String a guitar.
String a tennis racket.
Thread
To proceed by a winding course.
String
To stretch out or extend
String a wire across a room.
Thread
To form a thread when dropped from a spoon, as boiling sugar syrup.
String
To thread on a string
String popcorn.
Thread
A long, thin and flexible form of material, generally with a round cross-section, used in sewing, weaving or in the construction of string.
String
To arrange in a line or series
Strung the words into a sentence.
Thread
A continued theme or idea.
All of these essays have a common thread.
I’ve lost the thread of what you’re saying.
String
To fasten, tie, or hang with a string or strings
String a hammock between trees.
Thread
(engineering) A screw thread.
String
To strip (vegetables) of fibers.
Thread
A sequence of connections.
String
To extend or progress in a string, line, or succession
"We followed the others stringing through the narrow paved paths" (Susan Richards Shreve).
Thread
The line midway between the banks of a stream.
String
(countable) A long, thin and flexible structure made from threads twisted together.
Thread
(computing) A unit of execution, lighter in weight than a process, usually sharing memory and other resources with other threads executing concurrently.
String
(uncountable) Such a structure considered as a substance.
Thread
(Internet) A series of messages, generally grouped by subject, in which all messages except the first are replies to previous messages in the thread.
String
(countable) A thread
Thread
A filament, as of a flower, or of any fibrous substance, as of bark.
String
(countable) Any similar long, thin and flexible object.
Thread
(figurative) Composition; quality; fineness.
String
(musical instrument) A segment of wire (typically made of plastic or metal) or other material used as vibrating element on a musical instrument.
A violinstring
A bowstring
Thread
(transitive) To put thread through.
Thread a needle
String
(sports) A length of nylon or other material on the head of a racquet.
Thread
(transitive) To pass (through a narrow constriction or around a series of obstacles).
I think I can thread my way through here, but it’s going to be tight.
String
A thread or cord on which a number of objects or parts are strung or arranged in close and orderly succession; hence, a line or series of things arranged on a thread, or as if so arranged.
A string of shells or beads
A string of sausages
Thread
To screw on; to fit the threads of a nut on a bolt.
String
(countable) A cohesive substance taking the form of a string.
The string of spittle dangling from his chin was most unattractive
Thread
(transitive) To remove the hair using a thread.
How to thread your eyebrows and trim them
String
(countable) A series of items or events.
A string of successes
Thread
A very small twist of flax, wool, cotton, silk, or other fibrous substance, drawn out to considerable length; a compound cord consisting of two or more single yarns doubled, or joined together, and twisted; also, one fiber of a cord composed of multiple fibers.
String
(countable) The members of a sports team or squad regarded as most likely to achieve success. (Perhaps metaphorical as the "strings" that hold the squad together.) Often first string, second string etc.
Thread
A filament of any substance, as of glass, gold or silver; a filamentous part of an object, such as a flower; a component fiber of any or of any fibrous substance, as of bark.
String
(countable) In various games and competitions, a certain number of turns at play, of rounds, etc.
Thread
Something continued in a long course or tenor; a recurrent theme or related sequence of events in a larger story; as the thread of a story, or of life, or of a discourse.
String
(collective) A drove of horses, or a group of racehorses kept by one owner or at one stable.
Thread
Fig.: Composition; quality; fineness.
A neat courtier,Of a most elegant thread.
String
An ordered sequence of text characters stored consecutively in memory and capable of being processed as a single entity.
Thread
A related sequence of instructions or actions within a program that runs at least in part independent of other actions within the program; - such threads are capable of being executed only in oprating systems permittnig multitasking.
String
A stringed instrument.
Thread
A sequence of messages posted to an on-line newsgroup or discussion group, dealing with the same topic; - messages in such a thread typically refer to a previous posting, thus allowing their identification as part of the thread. Some news-reading programs allow a user to follow a single such thread independent of the other postings to that newsgroup.
String
The stringed instruments as a section of an orchestra, especially those played by a bow, or the persons playing those instruments.
Thread
To pass a thread through the eye of; as, to thread a needle.
String
The conditions and limitations in a contract collectively.
No strings attached
Thread
To pass or pierce through as a narrow way; also, to effect or make, as one's way, through or between obstacles; to thrid.
Heavy trading ships . . . threading the Bosphorus.
They would not thread the gates.
String
The main object of study in string theory, a branch of theoretical physics.
Thread
To form a thread, or spiral rib, on or in; as, to thread a screw or nut.
String
(slang) Cannabis or marijuana.
Thread
A fine cord of twisted fibers (of cotton or silk or wool or nylon etc.) used in sewing and weaving
String
(billiards) Part of the game of billiards, where the order of the play is determined by testing who can get a ball closest to the bottom rail by shooting it onto the end rail.
Thread
Any long object resembling a thin line;
A mere ribbon of land
The lighted ribbon of traffic
From the air the road was a gray thread
A thread of smoke climbed upward
String
The buttons strung on a wire by which the score is kept.
Thread
The connections that link the various parts of an event or argument together;
I couldn't follow his train of thought
He lost the thread of his argument
String
The points made in a game of billiards.
Thread
The raised helical rib going around a screw
String
The line from behind and over which the cue ball must be played after being out of play, as by being pocketed or knocked off the table; also called the string line.
Thread
To move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course;
The river winds through the hills
The path meanders through the vineyards
Sometimes, the gout wanders through the entire body
String
A strip, as of leather, by which the covers of a book are held together.
Thread
Pass a thread through;
Thread a needle
String
(archaic) A fibre, as of a plant; a little fibrous root.
Thread
Remove facial hair by tying a fine string around it and pulling at the string;
She had her eyebrows threaded
String
(archaic) A nerve or tendon of an animal body.
Thread
Pass through or into;
Thread tape
Thread film
String
(shipbuilding) An inside range of ceiling planks, corresponding to the sheer strake on the outside and bolted to it.
Thread
Thread on or as if on a string;
String pearls on a string
The child drew glass beads on a string
Thread dried cranberries
String
(botany) The tough fibrous substance that unites the valves of the pericarp of leguminous plants.
The strings of beans
String
(mining) A small, filamentous ramification of a metallic vein.
String
(architecture) A stringcourse.
String
A hoax; a fake story.
String
Synonym of stable
String
(oil drilling) A column of drill pipe that transmits drilling fluid (via the mud pumps) and torque (via the kelly drive or top drive) to the drill bit.
String
(transitive) To put (items) on a string.
You can string these beads on to this cord to make a colorful necklace.
String
(transitive) To put strings on (something).
It is difficult to string a tennis racket properly.
String
(intransitive) To form into a string or strings, as a substance which is stretched, or people who are moving along, etc.
String
To drive the ball against the end of the table and back, in order to determine which player is to open the game.
String
(birdwatching) To deliberately state that a certain bird is present when it is not; to knowingly mislead other birders about the occurrence of a bird, especially a rarity; to misidentify a common bird as a rare species.
String
A small cord, a line, a twine, or a slender strip of leather, or other substance, used for binding together, fastening, or tying things; a cord, larger than a thread and smaller than a rope; as, a shoe string; a bonnet string; a silken string.
Round Ormond's knee thou tiest the mystic string.
String
A thread or cord on which a number of objects or parts are strung or arranged in close and orderly succession; hence, a line or series of things arranged on a thread, or as if so arranged; a succession; a concatenation; a chain; as, a string of shells or beads; a string of dried apples; a string of houses; a string of arguments.
String
A strip, as of leather, by which the covers of a book are held together.
String
The cord of a musical instrument, as of a piano, harp, or violin; specifically (pl.), the stringed instruments of an orchestra, in distinction from the wind instruments; as, the strings took up the theme.
Me softer airs befit, and softer stringsOf lute, or viol still.
String
The line or cord of a bow.
He twangs the grieving string.
String
A fiber, as of a plant; a little, fibrous root.
Duckweed putteth forth a little string into the water, from the bottom.
String
A nerve or tendon of an animal body.
The string of his tongue was loosed.
String
An inside range of ceiling planks, corresponding to the sheer strake on the outside and bolted to it.
String
The tough fibrous substance that unites the valves of the pericap of leguminous plants, and which is readily pulled off; as, the strings of beans.
String
A small, filamentous ramification of a metallic vein.
String
Same as Stringcourse.
String
The points made in a game.
String
In various indoor games, a score or tally, sometimes, as in American billiard games, marked by buttons threaded on a string or wire.
String
The line from behind and over which the cue ball must be played after being out of play as by being pocketed or knocked off the table; - called also string line.
String
A hoax; a trumped-up or "fake" story.
String
A sequence of similar objects or events sufficiently close in time or space to be perceived as a group; a string of accidents; a string of restaurants on a highway.
String
A one-dimensional string-like mathematical object used as a means of representing the properties of fundamental particles in string theory, one theory of particle physics; such hypothetical objects are one-dimensional and very small (10-33 cm) but exist in more than four spatial dimensions, and have various modes of vibration. Considering particles as strings avoids some of the problems of treating particles as points, and allows a unified treatment of gravity along with the other three forces (electromagnetism, the weak force, and the strong force) in a manner consistent with quantum mechanics. See also string theory.
String
To furnish with strings; as, to string a violin.
Has not wise nature strung the legs and feetWith firmest nerves, designed to walk the street?
String
To put in tune the strings of, as a stringed instrument, in order to play upon it.
For here the Muse so oft her harp has strung,That not a mountain rears its head unsung.
String
To put on a string; to file; as, to string beads.
String
To hoax; josh; jolly; often used with along; as, we strung him along all day until he realized we were kidding.
String
To form into a string or strings, as a substance which is stretched, or people who are moving along, etc.
String
A lightweight cord
String
Stringed instruments that are played with a bow;
The strings played superlatively well
String
A tightly stretched cord of wire or gut, which makes sound when plucked, struck, or bowed
String
A sequentially ordered set of things or events or ideas in which each successive member is related to the preceding;
A string of islands
Train of mourners
A train of thought
String
A linear sequence of symbols (characters or words or phrases)
String
A tie consisting of a cord that goes through a seam around an opening;
He pulled the drawstring and closed the bag
String
A collection of objects threaded on a single strand
String
A necklace made by a stringing objects together;
A string of beads
A strand of pearls
String
Thread on or as if on a string;
String pearls on a string
The child drew glass beads on a string
Thread dried cranberries
String
Add as if on a string;
String these ideas together
String up these songs and you'll have a musical
String
Move or come along
String
Stretch out or arrange like a string
String
String together; tie or fasten with a string;
String the package
String
Remove the stringy parts of;
String beans
String
Provide with strings;
String my guitar
Common Curiosities
Can thread and string be used interchangeably?
Generally no, due to differences in thickness and strength, but in some informal or craft contexts, they might be used for similar purposes.
Are there specific types of threads for different sewing tasks?
Yes, there are various types of threads, such as embroidery, quilting, and upholstery threads, each tailored to specific sewing needs.
Can string be used in any textile applications?
String is generally too thick for most textile applications, but it may be used decoratively in some craft projects.
How is the strength of thread or string determined?
Strength is influenced by the material composition, thickness, and the way fibers are spun or twisted.
What determines whether to use thread or string for a task?
The choice depends on the task's requirements for strength, delicacy, and aesthetics.
Are there environmental considerations in choosing thread or string?
Yes, the environmental impact varies based on the material, with natural fibers generally being more sustainable than synthetic ones.
How do the costs of thread and string compare?
Costs can vary widely based on the material and quality, but in general, thread for specialized applications might be more expensive due to its specific characteristics.
Is there a special type of string for outdoor use?
Yes, strings designed for outdoor use are often made from materials resistant to weather and UV damage.
Can both thread and string be dyed?
Yes, both can be dyed, though the process and effectiveness can vary depending on the material.
Are thread and string recyclable?
Recyclability depends on the material, with natural fibers being more likely to be recyclable or biodegradable than synthetic ones.
Can old threads or strings be repurposed?
Yes, they can be repurposed for various crafts, repairs, or as ties in gardening or packaging.
What innovations have been made in thread and string manufacturing?
Innovations include the development of stronger synthetic fibers, environmentally friendly materials, and advanced dyeing techniques.
How do cultural practices influence the use of thread and string?
Cultural practices can dictate specific uses, such as in traditional crafts, ceremonial bindings, or specific types of textile work.
How should thread and string be stored to maintain their quality?
Both should be stored in a dry, clean place away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation.
What are some safety considerations when using string in households with children or pets?
It's important to ensure that string is kept out of reach of children and pets to prevent entanglement, ingestion, or other hazards.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
