- 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 spider’s web Wordfindersewbaste, bind, embroidery, hem, lining, seam, sew, stitch, tack, thread Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivestrong, delicate, fine, … … of threadlength, piece verb + threadspin, pull, cut, … phraseshanging by a thread, needle and thread See full entry
- 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 skilfully draws together the different threads of the plot. I lost the thread of the argument (= I could no longer follow it). see also golden thread Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivecentral, main, common, … verb + threadhave, follow, trace, … thread + verbrun through something, connect, link, … See full entry
- 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 Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivecomment, discussion verb + threadopen, start See full entry See related entries: Social networking, Websites
- 5[countable] the raised line that runs around the length of a screw and that allows it to be fixed in place by twisting
- 6threads [plural] (old-fashioned, North American English, slang) 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.Extra examples Apart from one or two loose threads, the police now had the complete picture of what happened. 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. Our lives hang by a fragile thread. Police have not been able to find a common thread linking the victims. She struggled against all the interruptions to keep the thread of her argument. The author eventually picks up the various threads of the plot and weaves them into a masterly conclusion. The player’s career is hanging by a thread after this latest injury to his knee. The speaker lost his thread halfway through the talk. These stories have no real common thread. You’ve pulled a thread in your jumper. Have you got a needle and thread? I lost the thread of the argument. The threads of a spider’s web are delicate and will break easily. Thin threads of blood glittered on his forehead and cheeks.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
