strait
STRAYT
/streɪt/
A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two other large areas of water.
Emphasizes narrow maritime passages that hold strategic navigational or military importance.
The story behind the word. From Middle English 'streit' (narrow/tight), tracing back to Latin 'strictus' (tightly bound). The word originally described tight clothing or narrow spaces before becoming a dedicated term for constricted waterways.
Word relationships
- channel: A channel is usually wider and less restrictive than a narrow strait.
- isthmus: An isthmus is a narrow strip of land, whereas a strait is a narrow channel of water.
Commonly confused with
- straight: 'Straight' means without bends, while 'strait' refers to a narrow body of water or distress.
Collocations
- narrow strait
- strategic strait
- Strait of Gibraltar
- sea strait
Idioms & expressions
- in dire straits (in a very difficult or perilous situation)
Example sentences
- "Control over the narrow strait determined who commanded the maritime routes." Classical history
- "Oil tankers navigate the narrow strait carefully to maintain uninterrupted energy supplies." Global security
Memory hook
A STRAIT CONSTRICTS water into a tight channel between landmasses. Narrow water channel between two landmasses.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'straight' (not curved). Do not use for a river flowing on land.
Fun facts
- The Strait of Malacca is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, carrying roughly a quarter of all traded goods.
Related words
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