Thread

/θrɛd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A thin strand of cotton, wool, or other fibers used for sewing or weaving.

She used a needle and thread to repair the torn seam of her dress.

A sequence of comments or messages on a particular topic, typically in online forums or discussions.

I found an interesting thread on the forum discussing alternative energy sources.

A continuous series of events or ideas that are connected.

The thread of the story carried through each chapter, weaving the characters' experiences together.

verb

To pass a thread through the eye of a needle or through the holes of a fabric.

She carefully threaded the needle before starting to sew the buttons.

To move something through or along a specified path.

He threaded the cable through the small opening in the wall.

Old English 'thrēod', meaning 'twist, cord'.

to get the thread of something:

to understand the essential points of a conversation or idea.

follow the thread:

to track or trace a line of reasoning or discussion.

spin a thread:

to create a narrative or story.

the golden thread:

a unifying idea or theme that runs through something.

A discussion or topic thread in an online community.

Did you see that thread about the new game on Reddit?

To 'thread' can also mean to navigate through a series of messages or comments.

I spent the afternoon threading through all those tweets.