garter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Literary/Historical
Quick answer
What does “garter” mean?
A band, typically elastic, worn around the leg to keep a stocking or sock up.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A band, typically elastic, worn around the leg to keep a stocking or sock up.
A band of fabric or ribbon worn as a symbol of membership in an order of knighthood, or as a decorative accessory in formal wear. Also refers to a device for fastening, securing, or holding something, or a type of snake.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'garter' as a clothing item is primarily associated with historical or ceremonial dress. In US English, 'garter' is also known as part of bridal attire (wedding garter) and lingerie (garter belt).
Connotations
In the UK, strongly associated with the monarchy and history (Order of the Garter). In the US, it can have romantic/conjugal connotations (wedding tradition) or a dated/old-fashioned feel.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to the 'Order of the Garter' in news contexts. In US English, more common in specific contexts like weddings or historical fiction.
Grammar
How to Use “garter” in a Sentence
wear + a garterfasten + a garterbe appointed + to the Order of the GarterVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “garter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The queen will garter the new knight in a ceremony at Windsor.
- She gartered her stockings before the ball.
American English
- The bride chose to garter her wedding stockings with lace.
- He was ceremonially gartered by the society.
adjective
British English
- He wore his garter robes with pride.
- The garter ceremony is steeped in tradition.
American English
- She wore a delicate garter ribbon.
- A garter snake slithered across the path.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or cultural studies texts discussing medieval/renaissance dress or British honours.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used when discussing weddings, British royalty, or historical costumes.
Technical
In zoology: 'garter snake' (Thamnophis). In fashion history: as a specific garment component.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “garter”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “garter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “garter”
- Using 'garter' to mean 'belt' or 'sash' in general. Confusing 'garter' (leg band) with 'garter belt' (undergarment with hanging straps).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively low-frequency and mostly used in specific contexts like British honours, weddings, historical discussions, or zoology (garter snake).
A 'garter' is a single band worn around the leg. A 'garter belt' (US) or 'suspender belt' (UK) is an undergarment worn around the waist with straps (garters) hanging down to attach to stockings.
Its name and symbol derive from a medieval garter. Legend says it originated when King Edward III picked up a garter dropped by a lady at a ball and said 'Honi soit qui mal y pense' ('Shame on him who thinks evil of it') to silence onlookers.
Yes, though archaic. It means to fasten or secure with a garter, or to adorn or invest with the Order of the Garter.
A band, typically elastic, worn around the leg to keep a stocking or sock up.
Garter is usually formal/literary/historical in register.
Garter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑː.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːr.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have one's garter buckled by the Queen (archaic/humorous, referring to high honour)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a knight receiving a royal 'garment' (garter) for his 'art' of service.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BOND OR TIE (The garter binds the stocking; membership in the Order binds one to the monarch).
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'Order of the Garter' primarily associated with?