What does striding mean?
Striding means moving forward with long, decisive steps, often with an impression of confidence, purpose, or energy. The movement is usually more purposeful and forceful than ordinary walking, but it can describe someone striding across a room, a horse striding over a field, or a person striding up to a challenge. Because striding is the present participle of stride, it can also appear in continuous constructions such as “she was striding toward the entrance.” The word is useful when the manner and emotional tone of movement matter: it conveys forward momentum and determination rather than merely stating that someone is walking. Its slightly literary or emphatic character makes it especially effective in descriptive writing.
verbWalking or running with long, decisive steps. In its usual grammatical form, it is the present participle of stride.
- Walking or running with long, confident, decisive steps.
"She came striding toward us with confidence in every step."
"The horse was striding across the field as the sun began to set."
"After the announcement, she was striding down the corridor with unmistakable purpose."
To stride is to make progress with purpose: every step carries the suggestion of confidence, energy, and forward motion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does striding come from?
The word comes from the English verb stride, which derives from Old English strīdan, meaning to step or stride. The modern form developed through the usual Germanic and Middle English sound changes, while the present-participle form striding reflects the addition of -ing. The related noun stride originally referred to a long step and later to the act of striding; strider denotes one who strides.
Related word forms
How striding is actually used
The word is usually descriptive and slightly literary or emphatic. It suggests purposeful, energetic movement rather than casual walking.
Easily confused with striding
Striding describes movement with long, decisive steps, whereas striding can also be understood simply as the present participle of stride.