What does stride mean?
Stride can describe both a physical action and an abstract advance. As a noun, it refers to a long step, the rhythm of a confident walk or run, or significant progress toward a goal. As a verb, to stride means to move with long, deliberate steps, often suggesting confidence or determination. In figurative contexts, it describes notable advancement: a new medical treatment may be described as a major stride, while a company can make great strides in expanding overseas. The word is common in British and American English and has a positive, energetic tone when it refers to progress. Its usefulness lies in this combination of literal movement and metaphorical advancement, allowing it to turn a simple physical action into a clear image of forward momentum.
A long step taken while walking or running; also, a significant advance toward a goal.
"Her first book was a major stride in the development of modern astrophysics."
The abstract sense is usually positive and emphasizes meaningful progress.
To walk or move with long, decisive steps; to make rapid progress toward an objective.
"The company is striding toward becoming a global leader in renewable energy."
The verb is often used figuratively with 'toward' or 'into' to describe progress or entry into a new role or situation.
The plural is used for individual long steps and, figuratively, for advances or stages of progress.
"The agreement represents important strides toward regional cooperation."
A stride is both a long step and, figuratively, a bold move forward—one reason the word captures physical movement and progress at once.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stride come from?
The word descends from Old English strīde, meaning a long step, and continued in Middle English in that sense. It is related to forms in other Germanic languages, including Dutch strīden and German schreiten, which also refer to stepping or moving with long strides. The later figurative sense, meaning progress or advance, developed by extending the idea of a long step to advancement toward a goal.
Related word forms
How stride is actually used
In its literal sense, stride often suggests purposefulness, confidence, or energy rather than an ordinary walking pace. In figurative use, it usually describes meaningful or rapid progress and is often used with expressions such as 'make strides' and 'a major stride.'