bretelle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareFormal, Historical, Technical (Costume/Military), or used in reference to French contexts.
Quick answer
What does “bretelle” mean?
A support band or strap, typically one of a pair crossing over the shoulders to hold up trousers or a skirt, also known as suspenders in US English.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A support band or strap, typically one of a pair crossing over the shoulders to hold up trousers or a skirt, also known as suspenders in US English; the strap used to hold up a woman's slip; also the straps crossing a soldier's chest to hold equipment; in motorway terminology, a slip road or connector.
In a broader sense, any strap or band used for support, fastening, or connection. In French (the source language), it commonly refers to suspenders, shoulder straps, or a slip road (UK: slip road, US: on-ramp/off-ramp). In English, it is a very rare borrowing, primarily used in historical costume contexts or by speakers familiar with French.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, if used at all, 'bretelle' might be understood in historical/military contexts or as a French term for 'suspenders' (UK: braces). In American English, it is virtually unknown except in very specific historical costume or academic circles. The motorway meaning is more likely in Commonwealth countries like South Africa.
Connotations
Strongly connotes Frenchness, historical dress, or technical military equipment.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher in UK due to historical and Commonwealth connections.
Grammar
How to Use “bretelle” in a Sentence
to wear [bretelles]to fasten the [bretelle]the [bretelle] of the slipa [bretelle] connecting the highwaysVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bretelle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No verb form in usage.
American English
- No verb form in usage.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form in usage.
American English
- No adverb form in usage.
adjective
British English
- No adjective form in usage.
American English
- No adjective form in usage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, costume, or military studies when discussing French or historical European attire.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A native English speaker would say 'suspenders' or 'braces'.
Technical
In some civil engineering or transport contexts in former British colonies, may refer to a highway slip road.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bretelle”
- Using 'bretelle' in everyday English expecting to be understood.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 't' or as two syllables (bre-tell) instead of the French-influenced three (bre-tell-e).
- Assuming it is the standard term for 'braces' or 'suspenders' in any English-speaking country.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare borrowing from French. The common English terms are 'suspenders' (US) or 'braces' (UK) for the clothing item, and 'slip road', 'on-ramp', or 'off-ramp' for the road.
Only in very specific contexts, such as academic discussions of historical French costume or military gear, or if you are speaking to an audience familiar with the term from certain technical fields (e.g., civil engineering in parts of Africa). Otherwise, you will likely not be understood.
'Bretelle' is the French word. 'Suspenders' is the common American English term for the straps holding up trousers. In British English, the equivalent term is 'braces'. 'Bretelle' in English carries a foreign, historical, or technical connotation.
Comprehensive dictionaries include loanwords, archaic terms, and technical jargon. 'Bretelle' is included due to its presence in historical texts, its use in specific Commonwealth technical language, and its status as a direct borrowing that a reader might encounter.
A support band or strap, typically one of a pair crossing over the shoulders to hold up trousers or a skirt, also known as suspenders in US English.
Bretelle is usually formal, historical, technical (costume/military), or used in reference to french contexts. in register.
Bretelle: in British English it is pronounced /brəˈtɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /brɛˈtɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common English usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a French soldier adjusting the BRETELLE (strap) on his uniform while waiting on the BRETTLE (a small bridge, sounding similar) of a motorway slip road.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS A STRAP; CONNECTION IS A BRIDGE/STRAP.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bretelle' MOST likely to be correctly understood by an English speaker?