A strider is someone who takes long, confident steps when walking. Picture a tall basketball player striding down the court with purposeful, ground-covering steps, or a hiker striding across an open meadow with strong, steady movements.

The word suggests more than just walking: it implies confidence, efficiency, and power in each step. A nervous person might shuffle or tiptoe, but someone who strides moves with assurance. You might see a determined student striding toward the principal's office to report a problem, or watch your dad striding into a meeting room ready to get things done.

In nature, certain animals are called striders too. Water striders are fascinating insects that can actually walk on the surface of ponds and streams without sinking. Their long legs spread their weight so effectively that they glide across water as if it were solid ground. These tiny creatures move across water just as confidently as you stride across a playground.

The word can also appear in fantasy stories, where a character might be called “Strider” as a nickname to suggest they're a skilled traveler who can cover long distances quickly and confidently.