topknot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “topknot” mean?
A hairstyle in which hair is tied or gathered into a knot on the top of the head.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hairstyle in which hair is tied or gathered into a knot on the top of the head.
A decorative knot or tuft, such as a crest on a bird's head or similar features in other contexts like zoology or fashion accessories.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; the term is used similarly in both dialects with no significant variation in meaning.
Connotations
Informal and fashion-related in both, though slightly more common in British English in historical or descriptive contexts.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both British and American English, primarily in niche areas like hairdressing or zoology.
Grammar
How to Use “topknot” in a Sentence
have a topknotwear a topknotarrange hair in a topknotVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “topknot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She topknots her hair for a quick, tidy look.
American English
- He topknotted his beard in a unique style for the event.
adverb
British English
- She arranged her hair topknot-style for the party.
American English
- He tied it topknot-wise to keep it out of his face.
adjective
British English
- The topknot trend has become popular among teenagers.
American English
- She wore a topknot accessory to complement her outfit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in fashion or beauty industry marketing or reports.
Academic
Occasionally used in anthropology, zoology, or art history to describe head adornments or features.
Everyday
Common in conversations about personal grooming, hairstyles, and fashion trends.
Technical
In hairdressing, refers to a specific technique for creating a knot on the crown of the head.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “topknot”
- Using 'topknot' to refer to any updo; it specifically indicates the knot is positioned on the top of the head.
- Spelling as two words 'top knot', though both forms are sometimes accepted, the single word is more standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can refer to hairstyles for any gender, though historically more associated with women in fashion contexts.
Yes, in zoology, it can describe crests or tufts on birds or other animals, such as a topknot pigeon.
It derives from Middle English, combining 'top' (highest part) and 'knot' (a fastening), first recorded in the 16th century.
Use it as a noun, e.g., 'She tied her hair in a topknot.' Avoid using it as a verb in formal writing, as it is non-standard.
A hairstyle in which hair is tied or gathered into a knot on the top of the head.
Topknot is usually neutral in register.
Topknot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒp.nɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑːp.nɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'top' + 'knot' – a knot on the top of your head, easy to visualize.
Conceptual Metaphor
Symbolizes elevation, prominence, or gathering things at the peak, often associated with neatness or style.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common usage of 'topknot'?