# stripper

/ˈstɹɪpɝ/ (US) · /stɹˈɪpɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stripper
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. erotic performer

noun · CEFR B2

someone who removes their clothes in a sexually exciting way as a job.

For teachers: a performer who removes their clothing in a sexually provocative manner, typically as paid entertainment.

- The bachelor party hired a stripper to perform at the club.
- The documentary explores the lives of professional strippers working in high-end clubs across the metropolitan area.

### 2. chemical or tool

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a strong chemical or a tool used to remove paint or the outer layer of something.

For teachers: a chemical solvent or mechanical tool designed to remove paint, varnish, or other surface coatings.

- You need to apply a paint stripper before you can repaint the old door.
- The restoration expert recommended a non-toxic chemical stripper to avoid damaging the delicate wood grain beneath the layers of lead paint.

### 3. wire tool

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a tool used to remove the plastic covering from electrical wires.

For teachers: a handheld tool, often called a wire stripper, used to remove the protective insulation from electrical cables.

- The electrician used a wire stripper to prepare the cables for the new light.
- Using a dedicated wire stripper ensures that the copper core is not nicked or damaged during the insulation removal process.

### 4. marked card

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

a playing card that has been cut slightly so a person can cheat.

For teachers: a playing card that has been subtly trimmed or altered to allow a cheat to identify it by touch or sight.

- The dealer was caught using a stripper deck to win every hand.
- Professional gamblers are trained to spot the slight physical irregularities of a stripper card during high-stakes play.

### 5. basic car model

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · American English

a car that has no extra features and is the cheapest version available.

For teachers: an entry-level vehicle trim that lacks common amenities or luxury features found in higher-priced versions.

- He bought a stripper model of the truck because he only needed it for work.
- While the marketing focuses on the luxury interior, the dealership also stocks a few strippers for fleet buyers who prioritise utility over comfort.

## Examples

- He used a chemical stripper to remove the old paint from the door.
- The renovation project stalled because the paint stripper was too weak to remove the lead-based layers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.