A stripe is a long, narrow band of color or texture that contrasts with the area around it. Tigers have black stripes on orange fur. Zebras have black and white stripes. The American flag has thirteen stripes, alternating red and white, representing the original thirteen colonies.

Stripes can run in any direction: horizontal stripes go side to side, vertical stripes go up and down, and diagonal stripes run at an angle. A striped shirt has multiple stripes, usually running parallel to each other. Candy canes have red and white stripes spiraling around them.

In the military, stripes on a uniform sleeve indicate rank and experience. A sergeant might have three stripes, while a private has none. Each stripe represents years of service or levels of authority. When someone “earns their stripes,” it means they've proven themselves through hard work and experience, not just in the military but in any field. A new teacher might need a few years to really earn her stripes in the classroom.

Stripes appear everywhere in nature and design because they're simple but striking. Skunks have white stripes as warning signals. Parking lots use yellow stripes to mark spaces. Road crews paint stripes on highways to guide drivers safely.