aiglet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Historical/Specialist
Quick answer
What does “aiglet” mean?
A small metal or plastic sheath at the end of a shoelace or cord, used to prevent fraying and ease threading.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small metal or plastic sheath at the end of a shoelace or cord, used to prevent fraying and ease threading.
Historically, an ornamental metal tag or pendant, often decorative, used on clothing or cords.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant dialectal difference in meaning or usage. 'Aglet' is the more common variant in both regions.
Connotations
Connotes specialist knowledge, antiquity, or detailed sartorial description.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both varieties. More likely found in historical novels, costume design texts, or as a trivia word.
Grammar
How to Use “aiglet” in a Sentence
The aiglet of [noun]an aiglet made of [material]to replace/fix a broken aigletVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aiglet” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The aiglet detailing on the ceremonial cord was exquisite.
American English
- He needed an aiglet replacement kit for his hiking boots.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, potentially in niche manufacturing (e.g., 'Supplier of plastic aiglets for footwear').
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, or material culture studies describing artefacts.
Everyday
Virtually never used. One would say 'the end of the shoelace' or 'the plastic bit'.
Technical
Primary context: in shoemaking, tailoring, or historical reenactment guides.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aiglet”
- Spelling confusion: 'aglet' vs. 'aiglet'. 'Aiglet' is the older, French-derived spelling.
- Mispronouncing as /ˈæɡlɪt/ (like 'aggressive'). The first syllable is 'ay' as in 'day'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Aiglet' is the older spelling derived from Old French 'aiguillette', meaning 'small needle'. 'Aglet' is a common modern variant. They refer to the same object.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialist term. Most native speakers are unfamiliar with it, though they might know 'aglet' from trivia or specific hobbies.
Yes, historically it referred to the metal tips on any cord used for fastening clothing (like on a doublet or hose) and could be highly decorative.
It is pronounced /ˈeɪɡlɪt/ (AY-glit), with a long 'a' sound like in 'day'.
A small metal or plastic sheath at the end of a shoelace or cord, used to prevent fraying and ease threading.
Aiglet is usually technical/historical/specialist in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A Lace Get-Little-End-Tip' = Aiglet. It's the little tip you get on the end of a lace.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A SHEATH (The aiglet protects the lace from unraveling).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'aiglet'?