English Reference

Word

threads

US/ˈθɹɛdz/

UK/θɹˈɛdz/

Definitions

01thin strings

A2

n. thin strings of cotton, silk, or wool used for sewing.

n. plural form of thread; fine filaments of natural or synthetic fibre used for stitching or weaving.

“She used several different coloured threads to finish the embroidery.”

“The conservator carefully matched the silk threads to the original eighteenth-century tapestry to ensure the repair remained invisible to the naked eye.”

Synonyms

02online conversations

B1 · Computing

n. a series of connected messages in an online discussion or email chain.

n. connected series of messages or posts forming a single conversation in an online forum, social media platform, or email chain.

“I spent all morning reading long threads about the new movie on Reddit.”

“The developer followed several technical threads on the forum to see if other users had encountered the same software bug after the update.”

03clothes

B2

n. a casual or cool way to talk about your clothes.

n. a slang term for clothing or apparel, often used to describe stylish or new garments.

“He showed up to the party wearing some very expensive new threads.”

“The protagonist arrived at the gala in vintage threads, standing out amongst the sea of modern designer tuxedos.”

Slang · Informal

Real-World Examples

“Early on, two messengers race across the French countryside, their hair flying out behind them in straight black threads: it’s a thrilling way to convey speed.”
The Guardian · 3 Sept 2026
“Other silks protect eggs or fasten threads to a surface.”
The Conversation · 4 Aug 2026

Idioms

pick up the threads — To resume an activity after an interruption; to pick up.

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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