/ straɪp; NAmE / noun
1.
a long narrow line of colour, that is a different colour from the areas next to it :
a zebra's black and white stripes
a white tablecloth with red stripes
—see also pinstripe , the Stars and Stripes
2.
a narrow piece of cloth, often in the shape of a V, that is worn on the uniform of a soldier or police officer to show their rank
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : perhaps a back-formation from striped , of Dutch or Low German origin; compare with Middle Dutch and Middle Low German strīpe .