What does strut mean?
Strut has two widely different uses. As a verb, it describes walking with a proud, exaggerated, or self-important gait: “He strutted into the room.” In this sense, the word can suggest confidence and charisma, but it may also imply vanity or needless showiness. As a noun, a strut is a structural support that braces a framework, such as a steel strut in a roof, bridge, or aircraft. The noun can also refer more generally to a swaggering manner or display. The contrast between a person strutting and a beam or brace supporting a structure gives the word a memorable dual life: it describes both conspicuous self-presentation and quiet structural support. Because the same form functions as both noun and verb, its meaning depends heavily on context.
To walk in a proud, swaggering, or self-important manner.
"The champion strutted through the press conference after her victory."
Often conveys exaggerated pride or showmanship, though it can be used approvingly for confident theatrical movement.
A structural member that braces or supports a framework.
"The engineers replaced the cracked strut with a new steel support."
Technical term used in engineering, construction, architecture, and related fields.
A proud or swaggering manner of walking.
"Her entrance was a confident strut across the stage."
A display of conspicuous confidence or self-importance.
"His performance was less a presentation than a strut for attention."
The plural is used for structural supports and for people or things that strut.
"The design uses several diagonal struts to stabilize the frame."
A strut can mean both a support that keeps a structure steady and a proud walk that makes everyone turn to look.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strut come from?
The word is recorded in Middle English in senses connected with standing out, projecting, or moving with a proud bearing. Its older noun meaning relating to a support or projection developed into the modern structural sense, while the verb came to describe a swaggering walk. The exact medieval development is not entirely certain, and the word's historical connections are less straightforward than those of many common English terms.
Related word forms
How strut is actually used
The verb often suggests exaggerated confidence, flamboyance, or self-importance, and can be mildly critical depending on context. As a noun in engineering, a strut is a load-bearing or stabilizing member, not merely a decorative beam.