1 B1 neutral
To thread or place items one by one onto a length of string, wire, or cord.
"The children spent the afternoon stringing buttons on lengths of thread."
separable
string on
C1 neutral separable transitive
To thread objects onto a string, or (less commonly) to keep someone deceived with false hopes.
In plain English
To put things like beads or pearls onto a piece of string one by one.
What does "string on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To put items onto a string — entirely transparent and literal.
Actually means
To put things like beads or pearls onto a piece of string one by one.
Usage tip
Less frequently encountered than related phrasal verbs. Primarily used in craft or jewelry-making contexts. The deceptive sense is largely replaced by 'string along' in modern usage.
Words that pair with "string on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
beads pearls shells flowers lights
How to conjugate "string on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
string on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
strings on
he/she/it
Past simple
stringed on
yesterday
Past participle
stringed on
have + pp
-ing form
stringing on
continuous
Hear "string on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "string on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "string on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.