alice band: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, chiefly British English. Recognised but less common in American English, where 'headband' is the generic term.
Quick answer
What does “alice band” mean?
A flexible band, typically made of plastic or fabric-covered wire, worn across the top of the head to keep hair away from the face. It does not fully encircle the head like a headband.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flexible band, typically made of plastic or fabric-covered wire, worn across the top of the head to keep hair away from the face. It does not fully encircle the head like a headband.
A specific type of headband associated with a neat, practical, and sometimes sporty or schoolgirl aesthetic. The term is also used in historical contexts to refer to similar hair accessories worn in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'alice band' specifies this particular style (open-backed, sitting on top of the head). In American English, the term is less common and often unknown; 'headband' is the generic term, though it may be specified as a 'top-of-the-head headband' or 'open headband' if clarity is needed.
Connotations
UK: Schoolgirls, tennis, neatness, practicality. US: Primarily a Britishism; if used, it may sound quaint or specifically refer to a vintage style.
Frequency
Common in UK fashion and retail contexts. Rare in everyday US speech, where 'headband' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “alice band” in a Sentence
She [VERB: wore/put on/clasped] an alice band.The alice band [VERB: kept/secured] her hair back.An alice band [VERB: sat/rested] on her head.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alice band” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- She always wore a simple black alice band to hockey practice.
- The school uniform code required a navy blue alice band.
American English
- She found what the British call an alice band in the vintage store.
- For tennis, she preferred an alice band to a full headband.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in fashion retail product descriptions.
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical or cultural studies of fashion.
Everyday
Common in UK daily life when discussing hairstyles or school uniforms.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alice band”
- Using 'alice band' in American English where it may not be understood.
- Confusing it with a full-circumference headband or a hair tie.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun ('Alice Band').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is believed to be named after Alice, Princess of the United Kingdom (1843–1878), who was often depicted wearing such a band, or due to the association with the neat, tidy hairstyle of the fictional Alice in Wonderland.
An alice band specifically refers to the style that sits on top of the head, is open at the back, and is often U-shaped. A 'headband' is a broader term that can include alice bands, but also wide fabric bands, elastic bands that fully encircle the head, and sweatbands.
While traditionally and most commonly associated with women's and girls' hairstyles, there is no rule against it. In practical terms, anyone with hair they wish to keep off their face could use one, though it is not typical in mainstream men's fashion.
It is primarily a British English term. In the US, the generic term 'headband' is used. Some Americans familiar with British culture or fashion may know the term, but it is not standard in American English.
A flexible band, typically made of plastic or fabric-covered wire, worn across the top of the head to keep hair away from the face. It does not fully encircle the head like a headband.
Alice band is usually informal, chiefly british english. recognised but less common in american english, where 'headband' is the generic term. in register.
Alice band: in British English it is pronounced /ˈælɪs bænd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈælɪs bænd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Alice' as in 'Alice in Wonderland' – the character often depicted with neat hair, sometimes with a band. It's a band for keeping hair as tidy as Alice's.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEATNESS IS TIDINESS / PRACTICALITY IS A TOOL (The band is a tool for achieving a practical, ordered appearance.)
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'alice band' most commonly used and understood?