Definition of: stringer

(string′ər) noun
1. A heavy timber, generally horizontal, supporting other members of a structure, and usually running in the direction of the greatest length of the collection of supported members.
2. Any horizontal framing timber, as a tie beam; a stringpiece.
3. A lengthwise timber on which rails are laid, as distinguished from a cross–tie or sleeper.
4. A news reporter employed on a free–lance basis, often in out–of–town or foreign locations.
5. A person having a specific rating as to excellence, skill, etc.: used in combination: a second–stringer.