cheek strap: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “cheek strap” mean?
A strap on a bridle or headgear that passes along the side of an animal's or person's cheek, helping to hold the item in place.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strap on a bridle or headgear that passes along the side of an animal's or person's cheek, helping to hold the item in place.
A component of headgear (especially for horses) or certain types of helmets/goggles where a strap goes down or across the cheek to provide stability and security.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in form and core meaning in both varieties. Minor differences may exist in associated tack terminology within the equestrian domain.
Connotations
Neutral and purely functional in both varieties. Primarily evokes equestrian contexts.
Frequency
Equally low frequency and highly specialized in both varieties. Known primarily to those involved with horses, historical reenactment, or specific sports.
Grammar
How to Use “cheek strap” in a Sentence
[The/A] [adj] cheek strap [verb] [prep] [object].[The] cheek strap of [the] [headgear].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cheek strap” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cheek-strap buckle was tarnished.
- It was a cheek-strap adjustment issue.
American English
- The cheek-strap leather needs conditioning.
- A cheek-strap failure caused the issue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only relevant in manufacturing or retail of equestrian/riding gear or historical costumes.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, or equine science texts discussing equipment.
Everyday
Very rare; only used by people directly involved with horses or specific hobbies.
Technical
Standard term within equestrianism and historical military/riding equipment descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cheek strap”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cheek strap”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cheek strap”
- Incorrect plural: 'cheeks strap' instead of 'cheek straps'.
- Confusing it with 'chin strap', which serves a similar but distinct purpose on helmets.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A cheek strap runs down the side of the face, often from the brow to the bit on a bridle. A chin strap typically goes under the chin to secure a helmet or hat.
Yes, but it's less common. It can describe a strap on certain types of safety helmets, goggles, or historical headgear that secures over the cheekbone.
It is a compound noun, typically written as two separate words ('cheek strap'). Hyphenation ('cheek-strap') is sometimes used when it functions as a modifier (e.g., 'cheek-strap leather').
Its primary purpose is to stabilize the bridle on the horse's head, preventing it from shifting sideways, and it helps to hold the bit in the correct position in the horse's mouth.
A strap on a bridle or headgear that passes along the side of an animal's or person's cheek, helping to hold the item in place.
Cheek strap is usually technical / specialized in register.
Cheek strap: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃiːk ˌstræp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃiːk ˌstræp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a horse's CHEEK, and a STRAP that runs down it. Just like glasses have a strap, a bridle has a cheek strap.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS A FASTENING. The strap represents stability and control, preventing slippage (of knowledge, position, etc.).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'cheek strap' MOST commonly used?