angle bracket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical (predominantly)
Quick answer
What does “angle bracket” mean?
Either of the two punctuation marks < and >, shaped like a 'V' on its side.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Either of the two punctuation marks < and >, shaped like a 'V' on its side.
A hardware bracket with a right-angled or triangular shape, used for structural support or mounting; in mathematics/typography, brackets used to enclose symbols.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Pronunciation may vary slightly. The term is standard in both technical communities.
Connotations
Neutral, purely functional term in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the larger tech sector, but the term is equally established in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “angle bracket” in a Sentence
[verb] + angle bracket (e.g., 'insert', 'use', 'type', 'enclose in')angle bracket + [noun] (e.g., 'angle bracket notation', 'angle bracket syntax')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “angle bracket” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You need to angle-bracket the tag name in the markup.
- The parameter should be angle-bracketed for clarity.
American English
- Make sure to angle bracket the variable in the template.
- The function call requires the arguments to be angle-bracketed.
adverb
British English
- The tag was written angle-bracketed.
American English
- Type the command angle-bracketed, like this.
adjective
British English
- Use the angle-bracket notation for generics.
- It's a simple angle-bracket fastener.
American English
- The angle-bracket syntax is mandatory here.
- We need an angle-bracket mounting plate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in technical specifications or IT procurement documents.
Academic
Common in computer science, linguistics, and engineering papers.
Everyday
Very rare outside of discussions about coding or typing.
Technical
Core term in computing, programming, markup languages (HTML, XML), and mathematics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “angle bracket”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “angle bracket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “angle bracket”
- Confusing angle brackets (< >) with square brackets ([ ]) or parentheses ( ( ) ).
- Omitting the closing angle bracket in HTML/XML tags, causing syntax errors.
- Pronouncing 'angle' as 'angel'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Angle brackets are < and >. Square brackets are [ and ]. They have completely different uses in computing, mathematics, and general writing. Angle brackets are often used for tags (HTML) or generics (programming), while square brackets are used for arrays, citations, or clarifying edits in quotes.
Yes, in construction, engineering, and shelving, an 'angle bracket' is a metal or plastic L-shaped support used to join two surfaces at a right angle, typically for strength and stability.
The less-than sign (<) and greater-than sign (>) are used as angle brackets. They are typically found on the comma (,) and full stop (.) keys, requiring the Shift key to be pressed.
They are named for their shape. The symbols < and > form an acute angle, unlike round parentheses ( ), square [ ], or curly { } brackets.
Either of the two punctuation marks < and >, shaped like a 'V' on its side.
Angle bracket is usually technical (predominantly) in register.
Angle bracket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæŋɡl ˌbrækɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæŋɡəl ˌbrækɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the corner (ANGLE) of a picture frame held by a small metal support (BRACKET). The punctuation marks < and > look like the same angular shape.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER (angle brackets enclose content), DIRECTION (angle brackets point left or right).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a typical use for an angle bracket?