plait

[ pleyt, plat ]

noun

1. a braid, especially of hair or straw.
2. a pleat or fold, as of cloth.

verb (used with object)

1. to braid, as hair or straw.
2. to make, as a mat, by braiding.
3. to pleat.

plait

/ plæt /

noun

1. a length of hair, ribbon, etc, that has been plaited
2. (in Britain) a loaf of bread of several twisting or intertwining parts
3. a rare spelling of pleat

verb

1. tr to intertwine (strands or strips) in a pattern

Other Words From

• inter·plait verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of plait¹

1350–1400; Middle English pleyt < Middle French pleit < Latin plicitum, neuter of plicitus, past participle of plicāre to fold; ply ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of plait¹

C15 pleyt, from Old French pleit, from Latin plicāre to fold; see ply ²

Example Sentences

"My mam plaits it in two plaits so it goes directly between my spine... She has always plaited my hair since so it's kind of a tradition now."

From BBC

“When I was going to school, I wanted to be Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, and I would wear a wig with two plaits and call myself Professor Longhair,” Henry told the AP.

From Seattle Times

Bell is living up to the potential that she promised as a tall, ambitious teenager, boasting those trademark plaits and an infectious love of the game.

From BBC

Her sister had grown a little and now had plaits all down her back.

From Literature

This week, the bakers are instructed to make a plaited bread centerpiece.

From Salon