ringlet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary; occasionally descriptive in everyday use.
Quick answer
What does “ringlet” mean?
A small ring, or a long curl of hair hanging in a spiral shape.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small ring, or a long curl of hair hanging in a spiral shape.
Can refer to any small ring-shaped structure or formation, such as in botany (a circle of flowers) or in art and nature (a circular mark).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight preference in British English for describing hairstyles, especially historical or children's hair. In American English, it is equally used but may sound slightly more literary.
Connotations
Evokes imagery of Victorian-era hairstyles, young girls, or pre-Raphaelite art in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly more common in UK descriptions of hair.
Grammar
How to Use “ringlet” in a Sentence
She wore her hair in ringlets.Her hair fell in ringlets.A ringlet of smoke rose.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ringlet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Her hair was expertly ringleted for the period drama.
American English
- She had her hair ringleted for the wedding.
adjective
British English
- She had a ringlet hairstyle.
American English
- The doll's ringlet curls were intricate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Rare; may appear in literary criticism or art history.
Everyday
Used descriptively for curly hair, especially in a stylised manner.
Technical
In lepidopterology, a type of butterfly (e.g., the Mountain Ringlet).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ringlet”
- Using 'ringlet' for any curl (it implies a defined, spiraled curl).
- Misspelling as 'ringlette'.
- Using it as a verb (to ringlet is very rare).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but that is its most common use. It can refer to any small ring shape.
A ringlet is a specific type of curl that is long, spiral-shaped, and well-defined.
It can be used as a verb ('to ringlet hair'), but this is rare and stylised.
It has a literary or slightly old-fashioned tone, but is still understood and used in descriptive contexts.
A small ring, or a long curl of hair hanging in a spiral shape.
Ringlet is usually formal, literary; occasionally descriptive in everyday use. in register.
Ringlet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪŋ.lət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪŋ.lɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not known in common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A RING-LET is a little ringlet of hair, like a small ring.
Conceptual Metaphor
HAIR IS A SPIRALING/COILING OBJECT (like a spring).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'ringlet' a technical term?