What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
streak
Example
There was a streak of paint on the wall. [streak: noun]
Example
The athlete had a winning streak of five games in a row. [streak: noun]
Example
The horse had a sudden streak of speed and won the race. [streak: noun]
stripe
Example
The shirt had blue and white stripes. [stripes: noun]
Example
The flag had red and white stripes. [stripes: noun]
Example
The sergeant wore a uniform with three stripes on the sleeve. [stripes: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stripe is more commonly used than streak in everyday language. Stripe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while streak is less common and refers to specific types of lines or marks.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between streak and stripe?
Both streak and stripe are relatively informal words, but stripe may be slightly more formal due to its use in military or rank insignia.