money belt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “money belt” mean?
A small, narrow pouch or flat belt, typically worn around the waist or under clothing, designed to hold money and important documents securely while travelling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, narrow pouch or flat belt, typically worn around the waist or under clothing, designed to hold money and important documents securely while travelling.
Any secure, wearable pouch for carrying valuables discreetly, often used metaphorically to signify cautious financial management or hidden resources.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use the same term.
Connotations
Identical connotations of travel safety and practicality.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to historical association with European backpacking culture, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “money belt” in a Sentence
[Subject] + wear + a money belt[Subject] + keep + [valuables] + in + a money belt[Subject] + buy + a money belt + for + [journey]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “money belt” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Before we go to the market, you should money-belt your euros.
- She money-belted her passport and cards.
American English
- He money-belted his cash before the hike.
- You need to money-belt your valuables in that area.
adverb
British English
- He carried his cash money-belt style.
- She travelled money-belt securely.
American English
- Pack your documents money-belt safe.
- He stored it all money-belt tight.
adjective
British English
- The money-belt pouch was surprisingly spacious.
- He adopted a money-belt mentality, keeping everything close.
American English
- She bought a money-belt style accessory.
- His money-belt approach to travel saved him from pickpockets.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in travel-related retail or security product descriptions.
Academic
Very rare. Potential mention in anthropological or tourism studies discussing traveler behaviour.
Everyday
Common in travel planning and advice contexts among tourists, backpackers, and travellers.
Technical
Used in product design, travel gear manufacturing, and travel safety guidelines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “money belt”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “money belt”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “money belt”
- Incorrect: 'I put my money in the money belt.' (While understandable, better: 'I keep my money in a money belt.')
- Incorrect plural: 'moneys belts' or 'money belts' (correct: money belts).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While designed for money, it is commonly used to hold passports, credit cards, keys, and other small, vital items.
Typically under your clothing, around the waist or across the chest, to keep it hidden from view. Some are worn like a normal belt with a hidden zip.
Yes. They remain useful for securing physical passports, backup cash, emergency credit cards, and other essential documents that cannot be stored digitally.
A money belt is worn around the waist (or under clothes on the waist), while a neck pouch hangs from the neck under clothing. Both serve the same purpose but differ in placement and comfort.
A small, narrow pouch or flat belt, typically worn around the waist or under clothing, designed to hold money and important documents securely while travelling.
Money belt is usually neutral to informal in register.
Money belt: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌni bɛlt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌni bɛlt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't put all your eggs in one money belt. (Humorous adaptation)”
- “His money belt is his peace of mind.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BELT' holds up trousers; 'MONEY BELT' holds up your finances securely while travelling.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS A CONTAINER / PRIVACY IS BEING HIDDEN.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a money belt?