aglet
C2technical, historical, specialized
Definition
Meaning
A small sheath, often made of plastic or metal, at the end of a shoelace, cord, or drawstring, which stiffens it and makes threading easier.
The term can refer to any similar finishing tip on a ribbon or cord, and historically denoted metal tags on laces used in clothing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Extremely low-frequency word in everyday language; primarily known to specialists (e.g., cobblers, costume historians, linguists of obscure words) or from trivia. Most native speakers would not know or use this word.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally obscure in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. Can have a slight 'trivia' or 'obscure fact' connotation when used in general discourse.
Frequency
Vanishingly rare in both dialects. Might be marginally more recognized in the UK due to historical costume references.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [cord] has a [material] aglet.The [aglet] on my [lace] is fraying.to tip/finish a [lace] with an aglet.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The word is too specialized for idiomatic use.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used. Potential use in manufacturing/supply for shoe or garment accessories.
Academic
Rare, found in historical texts on costume or material culture.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A speaker would say 'the end of the shoelace' or 'the plastic bit'.
Technical
Used in cobbling, tailoring, and some crafting contexts to refer precisely to the finishing piece.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The aglet on my hiking boot lace snapped off.
- A fine 18th-century jacket might have silver aglets on its points.
American English
- I need to fix the aglet on my hoodie's drawstring.
- You can buy a kit to replace worn aglets on your sneakers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This shoelace has a plastic end.
- The metal tip on the cord is called an aglet.
- Without a proper aglet, the lace quickly becomes frayed and difficult to thread.
- The exhibition of Renaissance dress included several points tipped with ornate silver aglets.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A GLETter' on the end of your lace. Or remember the character 'Aglet' from a popular animated show who was obsessed with them.
Conceptual Metaphor
An aglet is a PROTECTOR (it prevents fraying). It is a GUIDE (it helps the lace pass through an eyelet). It is a FINISHER (it provides a completed end).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'иголка' (needle). The closest simple translation is 'наконечник шнурка' or 'пистон'.
Common Mistakes
- Pronunciation: Not /əɡˈlet/ or /ˈeɪ.ɡlət/. It's /ˈæɡ.lət/.
- Spelling: Confusion with 'aiglet', an alternate historical spelling.
- Usage: Using it in everyday conversation where it will not be understood.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an aglet?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized and obscure term. Most people refer to it as 'the plastic end of a shoelace'.
It comes from Old French 'aiguillette', a diminutive of 'aiguille' meaning 'needle', via the Middle English 'aglet'.
Yes, historically they were made of metal, bone, or glass. Modern aglets are typically plastic, but can also be made of metal for durability.
Not in common use. The process might be described as 'tipping' or 'fitting with an aglet'.