bonnet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral; Informal in automotive contexts; Formal/Historical in fashion contexts.
Quick answer
What does “bonnet” mean?
A type of hat that fits closely around the head and often ties under the chin, traditionally worn by women and children.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of hat that fits closely around the head and often ties under the chin, traditionally worn by women and children; also the metal cover over a car's engine.
In specific contexts, it can refer to a Scottish cap (tam o' shanter), a protective cover in machinery, or a term for a hood or cowl in historical garments. In finance, 'bonnet' is slang for a limit or cap on an interest rate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'bonnet' refers to the cover of a car's engine. In American English, this is called a 'hood'. The clothing sense is understood but rarely used in everyday American speech.
Connotations
In the UK, 'bonnet' is a standard, neutral term for a car part. In the US, using 'bonnet' for a car might sound quaint or British. The clothing sense connotes historical or period dress, or protective headwear for babies.
Frequency
High frequency in UK English for the automotive part; low frequency in US English for any sense. The clothing sense has low frequency in both varieties but is more likely found in historical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “bonnet” in a Sentence
V + the bonnet (open/check/slam)Adj + bonnet (engine/sun)N + 's + bonnet (the car's bonnet)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bonnet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He bonneted the rival car during the chaotic race. (archaic/rare: to hit with a bonnet or put a bonnet on)
American English
- The term is not used as a verb in contemporary AmE.
adverb
British English
- Not standard.
American English
- Not standard.
adjective
British English
- Not standard.
American English
- Not standard.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in automotive industry reports comparing UK/US terminology.
Academic
Found in historical, cultural, or fashion studies discussing headwear. In engineering, may refer to a protective casing.
Everyday
Common in UK English for car maintenance. Used for describing historical costumes or baby clothes.
Technical
In automotive manuals (UK). In some mechanical engineering contexts for a cover or housing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bonnet”
- Using 'bonnet' for a car in the US (use 'hood').
- Confusing 'bonnet' with 'hat' (a bonnet is a specific, often tied, style).
- Misspelling as 'bonet'.
- Using it as a verb incorrectly (it is primarily a noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. Americans understand it primarily as a historical item of clothing or a baby's hat. For the car part, they exclusively use 'hood'.
A bonnet is a specific type of hat that typically encircles the face, often ties under the chin, and has a brim or projection at the front. A 'hat' is the general term.
Historically and very rarely, yes (e.g., to put a bonnet on, or in Scots dialect, to hit with a cap). In modern usage, it is almost exclusively a noun.
It's an extension of the clothing metaphor. Early cars had external engines that were covered by a metal panel reminiscent of the shape and protective function of a head bonnet.
A type of hat that fits closely around the head and often ties under the chin, traditionally worn by women and children.
Bonnet is usually neutral; informal in automotive contexts; formal/historical in fashion contexts. in register.
Bonnet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒn.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑː.nɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have a bee in one's bonnet (to be obsessed with an idea)”
- “feather in one's cap (related concept of headwear achievement)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BONNET on a BONny (Scottish for pretty) car engine. The word sounds like 'bonnet' a baby wears - both are coverings for something important (head/engine).
Conceptual Metaphor
HEAD/TOP AS A COVERING. The car's front/engine compartment is metaphorically the 'head' of the car, which wears a bonnet.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'to have a bee in one's bonnet' mean?