Are 'braces' and 'suspenders' the same thing?

In British English, yes, they refer to the clothing item that holds up trousers. In American English, 'suspenders' are for trousers, and 'braces' are almost exclusively for teeth.

How do you say the punctuation marks { }?

They are called 'curly braces' or 'curly brackets'. In programming, they are often just 'braces'.

Is 'brace' singular for 'braces'?

Sometimes, but not directly. A single orthodontic device is usually referred to in the plural 'braces'. A 'brace' is a separate supporting device for a knee, wrist, or neck.

Why is the word 'braces' always plural?

It's not always plural, but often is due to the device consisting of two symmetrical parts (for trousers) or multiple components (for teeth). The singular 'brace' is used for a single unit of support.

How do you pronounce “braces”?

Braces: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪsɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪsəz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

braces: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈbreɪsɪz/US/ˈbreɪsəz/

Primarily neutral, with specific technical registers in orthodontics/engineering.

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “braces” mean?

A device, typically a pair of straps, wires, or brackets, used to support, align, or fasten something.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A device, typically a pair of straps, wires, or brackets, used to support, align, or fasten something.

Refers specifically to 1) orthodontic wires worn on teeth; 2) suspenders for holding up trousers; 3) a type of punctuation { }; 4) supporting frameworks in engineering/medicine.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In British English, 'braces' most commonly refers to suspenders for trousers. In American English, 'braces' almost exclusively refers to orthodontic devices; 'suspenders' are used for trousers.

Connotations

UK: Can have a slightly formal or old-fashioned connotation for trouser braces. US: Strongly associated with dentistry/orthodontics and adolescence.

Frequency

High frequency in US English due to orthodontic context. Moderate frequency in UK English across both clothing and dental contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “braces” in a Sentence

VERB + braces: wear/have/get/fit/remove/ tighten/ adjust bracesADJ + braces: orthodontic/metal/train/architectural/ shoulder/ knee bracesPREP + braces: in braces, with braces

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

wear bracesmetal bracesget braceshave bracesorthodontic braces

medium

leg bracesknee bracesback bracerailroad bracesadjust the braces

weak

braces and bitsbraces offcolorful bracesexpensive braces

Examples

Examples of “braces” in a Sentence

verb

British English

He braced himself against the wind.
The company braced for the economic downturn.

American English

She braced the shelf with a metal bracket.
Brace for impact!

adverb

British English

This word is not commonly used as an adverb.

American English

This word is not commonly used as an adverb.

adjective

British English

The brace position is advised for emergency landings.
It was a brace of pheasants.

American English

The brace drill bit is used in woodworking.
He took a brace of shots at the target.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare, except in specific industries like construction ('structural braces').

Academic

Common in dentistry, orthopedics, and engineering papers.

Everyday

Very common in family/health discussions (orthodontics) in the US; common in clothing context in the UK.

Technical

Precise term in orthodontics, civil engineering (bracing), and orthopedics.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “braces”

Strong

suspenders (UK trouser sense)orthodontic appliances (US dental sense)callipers (medical)

Neutral

supportsbrackets

Weak

wiresstrapsfasteners

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “braces”

unsupportedunfastenedunstructured

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “braces”

Using 'braces' to refer to ( ) - these are parentheses/brackets. { } are curly braces/brackets.
Using a singular verb with 'braces' (e.g., 'The braces is...') - it is almost always plural.
In US English, confusing 'braces' (dental) with 'suspenders' (clothing).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: In British English, yes, they refer to the clothing item that holds up trousers. In American English, 'suspenders' are for trousers, and 'braces' are almost exclusively for teeth.
: They are called 'curly braces' or 'curly brackets'. In programming, they are often just 'braces'.
: Sometimes, but not directly. A single orthodontic device is usually referred to in the plural 'braces'. A 'brace' is a separate supporting device for a knee, wrist, or neck.
: It's not always plural, but often is due to the device consisting of two symmetrical parts (for trousers) or multiple components (for teeth). The singular 'brace' is used for a single unit of support.
: A device, typically a pair of straps, wires, or brackets, used to support, align, or fasten something.
: Braces is usually primarily neutral, with specific technical registers in orthodontics/engineering. in register.
: Braces: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪsɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreɪsəz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“**Brace yourself!** (Prepare for impact/difficulty) - Note: uses the verb 'brace', not the noun 'braces'.”
“**To be in braces** (to be wearing orthodontic braces).”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'BRACES' as **BR**ackets or **A**ligners that **C**orrect, **E**nhance, or **S**upport something.

Conceptual Metaphor

SUPPORT IS A FRAMEWORK (teeth, buildings, legs are framed/held straight by braces).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In American English, if a teenager says 'I'm getting next week,' they are most likely referring to orthodontic devices.

Multiple Choice

What is the most common meaning of 'braces' in everyday British English?