What does drawstring mean?
A drawstring is a string or cord threaded through a channel of fabric — known as a casing or hem — around the open edge of a bag, garment, or other soft item. Pulling the two ends gathers the material together, tightening the opening, while releasing it lets the item expand again. Drawstrings are among the simplest and oldest ways of closing things: they require no hardware, adjust instantly, and can be replaced easily, which is why they remain ubiquitous on everything from hoodies, sweatpants, and swim shorts to backpacks, laundry sacks, and gift bags. The word also functions attributively, describing items designed with this mechanism, as in 'drawstring pouch'. Practical and unpretentious in tone, the term appears constantly in clothing labels, product descriptions, and everyday speech about adjusting fit or securing belongings.
nounA string or cord threaded through a casing around the opening of a garment, bag, or other item, which can be pulled to draw the opening closed or tightened. Also refers to the closure mechanism itself.
- A cord threaded through a hem or casing, pulled to tighten or close an opening such as that of a bag, garment, or hood.
- (as modifier) Designating an item closed or secured by such a cord, as in 'a drawstring bag' or 'drawstring trousers'.
"She cinched the drawstring of her hoodie to keep out the cold wind."
"He loosened the drawstring of his rucksack and pulled out a water bottle."
"These joggers have an elasticated drawstring waist for a secure fit."
Regular plural. The plural typically refers to multiple cords or to items each having a drawstring.
"Both jackets have broken drawstrings that need replacing."
The humble drawstring is one of humanity's oldest fastening technologies — centuries before zips and velcro, it kept purses, trousers, and sails closed with nothing more than a pull of a cord.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of drawstring
Drawstring is a transparent English compound formed from the verb 'draw', meaning to pull, and the noun 'string', literally 'a string that is drawn'. Both elements are native Germanic words with long histories in English: 'draw' derives from Old English dragan, and 'string' from Old English streng. The compound arose naturally in English to name this familiar mechanism, rather than being borrowed from another language, so it has no foreign cognates beyond those sharing its two root elements.
Related word forms
How drawstring is actually used
Drawstring is an ordinary, neutral noun found in everyday and commercial contexts alike. It is frequently used attributively before another noun (drawstring bag, drawstring pants). The plural is regular: drawstrings.
Easily confused with drawstring
'Drawn work' is a form of decorative needlework in which threads are drawn out of fabric; 'drawstring' is the cord used to close an opening.