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REFERENCE

streak

n. · v.
US //ˈstɹik// UK //stɹˈiːk// streak
  1. 1 a long mark (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a long, thin mark or line that is a different colour from the surface around it.

    a long, thin, irregular line or band of a different substance or colour from its surroundings.

    Example

    There was a dirty streak on the window where the bird had hit it.

    Example

    The dawn sky was painted with long streaks of orange and violet, reflecting off the calm surface of the lake.
  2. 2 a series of events (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a period of time where the same thing happens again and again, like winning many games.

    an unbroken series of events or successes, often used in sports or gambling contexts.

    Example

    The team is on a ten-game winning streak and feels very confident.

    Example

    After a long losing streak, the gambler finally broke even during the final hour of the tournament.
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  1. 3 internet activity (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal Computing

    a count of how many days in a row you have used an app or talked to someone.

    a metric in digital applications representing the number of consecutive days a user has completed a specific action.

    Example

    I don't want to miss a day because I have a 200-day streak on my language app.

    Example

    The app uses streaks as a gamification mechanic to ensure daily user engagement and habit formation.

  2. 4 personality trait (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a part of someone's character that is different from the rest of their personality.

    an identifiable element in someone's character, typically one that contrasts with their general temperament.

    Example

    He is usually very kind, but he has a mean streak when he loses a game.

    Example

    Despite her outward appearance of conformity, she possessed a rebellious streak that occasionally surfaced during staff meetings.
  3. 5 to move fast (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to move very fast in a certain direction.

    to move at high speed, often leaving a visual blur or trail.

    Example

    We watched the shooting star streak across the night sky.

    Example

    The experimental jet streaked through the upper atmosphere, leaving a thin white vapour trail in its wake.
  4. 6 to mark with lines (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to cover something with long, thin marks.

    to mark a surface with irregular lines or smears.

    Example

    The rain started to streak the dust on the car's windshield.

    Example

    Tears began to streak her makeup as she listened to the emotional tribute during the ceremony.
  5. 7 to run naked (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal Humorous

    to run naked through a public place as a joke or to get attention.

    to run naked through a public place, typically as a prank or a form of protest.

    Example

    A fan tried to streak across the field during the final minutes of the match.

    Example

    Security personnel quickly intercepted the individual who attempted to streak across the pitch during the televised final.

Origin

From Middle English streke, from Old English strica, from Proto-Germanic strikiz, from Proto-Indo-European streyg- (“line”). Related to North Frisian strijck, Old Saxon striki, Middle Low German streke, Low German streek, Danish streg, Swedish streck, Norwegian Bokmål strek, Icelandic stryk, strykr, Dutch streek, Afrikaans streek, Old High German strih, German Strich, Gothic 𐍃𐍄𐍂𐌹𐌺𐍃 (striks).

Idioms1 entry

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