plait: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary; also technical (e.g., textiles, cooking).
Quick answer
What does “plait” mean?
A length of hair, straw, or other material, consisting of three or more interlaced strands.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A length of hair, straw, or other material, consisting of three or more interlaced strands; a braid.
Any object or pattern resembling this structure, or the action of making it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'plait' is the standard term for both noun and verb. In American English, the more common term is 'braid'.
Connotations
'Plait' may sound slightly more formal, old-fashioned, or specifically British to American ears.
Frequency
'Plait' is high-frequency in UK English but low-frequency in US English, where 'braid' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “plait” in a Sentence
to plait something (transitive)to be plaited (passive)something plaited (adjective)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “plait” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- She wore her hair in a single, long plait down her back.
- The challah bread has a distinctive three-strand plait.
American English
- (US speakers typically use 'braid': She wore her hair in a long braid.)
verb
British English
- She learned to plait her daughter's hair neatly.
- The baker will plait the dough for the traditional loaf.
American English
- (US speakers typically use 'braid': She learned to braid her daughter's hair.)
adverb
British English
- (Rarely derived; not standard.)
American English
- (Rarely derived; not standard.)
adjective
British English
- She had beautifully plaited hair.
- The plaited garlic hung in the kitchen.
American English
- (US speakers typically use 'braided': She had beautifully braided hair.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except perhaps in fashion/beauty industry.
Academic
Used in historical, anthropological, or textile studies contexts.
Everyday
Common in UK English for describing hairstyles; rare in US everyday speech.
Technical
Used in baking (plaited loaf/plait), rope-making, and textile crafts.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “plait”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “plait”
- Mispronouncing it as /pleɪt/ (like 'plate') in British English.
- Using 'plait' as a verb without an object (incorrect: *'She likes to plait.').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In British English, it rhymes with 'flat' (/plat/). In American English, it is often pronounced like 'plate' (/pleɪt/) or sometimes like 'plat' (/plæt/).
They are synonyms. 'Plait' is standard in British English, while 'braid' is standard in American English. 'Braid' is also more common globally.
Yes, it means to weave three or more strands together. E.g., 'to plait hair'.
It is common in British English but considered less common or formal in American English, where 'braid' is preferred.
A length of hair, straw, or other material, consisting of three or more interlaced strands.
Plait is usually formal, literary; also technical (e.g., textiles, cooking). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none in common use)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PLATform made of interlaced PLANks → PLAIT is an interlaced pattern.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORDER IS WEAVING (e.g., 'a plaited narrative').
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the word 'plait' most commonly used for hairstyles?