What does stripey mean?
“Stripey” is an adjective meaning marked with stripes or made up of alternating bands of color. It is a chiefly British spelling of the more standard “striped,” and is especially familiar in descriptions of clothing, fabric, toys, and household objects such as jumpers, shirts, cushions, and umbrellas. The word has an informal, concrete quality and can suggest a cheerful or playful appearance, though it can also describe any striped object neutrally. In American English, “striped” is overwhelmingly preferred, while “stripey” may sound informal or nonstandard. The related noun “stripe” is a band or line on a surface, and related forms include “striped” and “striping.” Because “stripey” is a simple and transparent adjective, it is useful whenever an exact description of a banded or patterned surface is needed.
adjectiveHaving or marked with stripes. It is a less common spelling of “striped,” especially in British English.
- Having stripes or a pattern made up of stripes.
"The child wore a stripey jumper to the seaside."
"She painted the old chair with bold, stripey designs."
"The guide described the fish as a stripey species found in shallow reefs."
“Stripey” is the British spelling that immediately conjures colorful socks, awnings, and seaside jumpers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stripey come from?
“Stripey” was formed from the noun “stripe” with the adjective-forming suffix “-y.” “Stripe” comes from Old English “stripe,” related to the verb “stripen,” both connected with the notion of a band or marking across a surface. The form “striped” became the standard English adjective, while “stripey” developed as a chiefly British alternative, especially familiar in everyday descriptions of clothing and fabric. Other forms associated with the same root include “striping” and “striated.”
Related word forms
How stripey is actually used
“Stripey” is a chiefly British alternative to “striped” and is especially common in informal speech and clothing descriptions. “Striped” is more usual in formal writing and in American English.
Easily confused with stripey
“Striped” is the standard modern spelling, while “stripey” is a chiefly British variant with the same meaning.
“Striking” means visually impressive or noticeable, whereas “stripey” specifically means marked with stripes.