bracelets: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “bracelets” mean?
Decorative bands or chains worn around the wrist as jewellery.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Decorative bands or chains worn around the wrist as jewellery.
Figuratively, any objects or restraints resembling a bracelet in form (e.g., shackles). Also used in technology for wearable wrist devices.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use 'bracelets'. Minor potential difference: In informal UK English, 'bangle' is a specific near-synonym for a rigid bracelet.
Connotations
Identical core connotations of jewellery and adornment.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “bracelets” in a Sentence
VERB + bracelets: wear, put on, take off, jingle, collectADJ + bracelets: delicate, chunky, antique, friendship, medicalVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bracelets” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The officer prepared to bracelet the suspect.
- (Note: 'to bracelet' as verb is rare/archaic; 'to handcuff' is standard.)
American English
- (Standard verb not used; 'to cuff' is used.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- A bracelet-clad wrist.
- (Note: 'bracelet' as attributive noun, not a true adjective.)
American English
- Her bracelet collection was impressive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail/fashion: 'The new line of silver bracelets sold out within a week.'
Academic
Rare. In archaeology/anthropology: 'Bronze Age burial sites often contained copper bracelets.'
Everyday
'She never leaves the house without her favourite bracelets.'
Technical
In wearable tech: 'The fitness bracelets monitored their heart rates.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bracelets”
- Incorrect singular/plural: 'She wore a beautiful bracelets.' (Incorrect) vs 'She wore beautiful bracelets.' (Correct)
- Misspelling: 'braclets', 'braslets'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A bracelet is a general term for wrist jewellery. A bangle is a specific type of rigid, non-flexible bracelet, typically circular and slipped over the hand.
Yes, informally it can be slang for handcuffs used by police. It is also used for functional wristbands like medical alert or fitness trackers.
In both British and American English, the 't' is pronounced clearly: /ləts/. It is not typically glottalised or omitted.
No, 'bracelets' is the plural form. The singular is 'bracelet'. Using the plural implies more than one item.
Decorative bands or chains worn around the wrist as jewellery.
Bracelets is usually neutral to informal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Slap on the bracelets (slang, police: to handcuff)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BRACE' + 'LETS'. A BRACE supports something (like your arm), and LETS you wear jewellery on it.
Conceptual Metaphor
JEWELLERY IS A FORM OF PERSONAL EXPRESSION / BONDS ARE RESTRAINTS (as in handcuffs).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bracelets' LEAST likely to be used?