pigtail

[ pig-teyl ]

noun

1. a braid of hair hanging down the back of the head.
2. pigtails, two bunches of hair gathered and fastened on either side of the head, in braids or hanging freely.
3. tobacco in a thin, twisted roll.
4. Electricity.
   1. a short, flexible wire used in connecting a stationary terminal with a terminal having a limited range of motion.
   2. a short wire connected to an electric device, as a lead or ground.

pigtail

/ ˈpɪɡˌteɪl /

noun

1. a bunch of hair or one of two bunches on either side of the face, worn loose or plaited
2. a twisted roll of tobacco

Derived Forms

• ˈpigˌtailed, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pigtail¹

First recorded in 1680–90; pig ¹ + tail ¹

Example Sentences

Now he is raising a 4-year-old daughter with the help of Barnica’s younger brother; every weekend, they take her to see her grandmother, who knows how to braid her hair in pigtails.

From Salon

Miranda Haley, who wore pigtails and a long-sleeve shirt to protect her from the sun, got out and pushed a jug of water through an opening in the wall.

From Los Angeles Times

Class photos shared from over the years showed Shaylee in second grade, wearing pigtails, and years later, with highlights in her hair.

From Los Angeles Times

Cat flipped pages until she returned to the girl in pigtails, who looked the kind of happy that came easy.

From Literature

Dressed up as Minnie Mouse, in red and white polka dot clothes and hair in pigtails, Bea takes to the paddock alongside her vaulting partner.

From BBC