rope

Definition

Thick strings, yarn, monofilaments, metal wires, or strands of other cordage that are twisted together to form a stronger line.

Etymology

From Middle English rop, rope, from Old English rāp (“rope, cord, cable”), from Proto-West Germanic *raip, from Proto-Germanic *raipaz, *raipą (“rope, cord, band, ringlet”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁roypnós (“strap, band, rope”), from *h₁reyp- (“to peel off, tear; border, edge, strip”). Cognates Cognate with Scots rape, raip (“rope”), Saterland Frisian Roop (“rope”), West Frisian reap (“rope, cord”), Dutch roop, reep (“rope, cord, ring, strip, bar”), German Low German Reep (“rope”), Swedish rep (“rope”), Danish reb (“rope”), Icelandic reipi (“rope”), Albanian rrip (“belt, rope”).

Example Sentences

• "Nylon rope is usually stronger than similar rope made of plant fibers."
• "The swinging bridge is constructed of 40 logs and 30 ropes."
• "All at once, let’s heave on the rope!"