seat belt

or seatbelt

noun

1. a belt or strap in an automobile, airplane, etc., fastened around or sometimes diagonally across the midsection to keep the person safely secured, as during a sudden stop.

seat belt

noun

1. Also calledsafety belt a belt or strap worn in a vehicle to restrain forward motion in the event of a collision
2. a similar belt or strap worn in an aircraft at takeoff and landing and in rough weather

Word History and Origins

Origin of seat belt¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

On average, 651 people are killed or seriously injured nationally each year due to not wearing a seat belt, according to Lincolnshire Police.

From BBC

Minor violations such as a broken taillight or seat belt left unbuckled may lead to a ticket for an average motorist — but for someone who is undocumented it can have life-altering consequences.

From Los Angeles Times

The driver appeared to be wearing her seat belt at the time of the crash but her injuries were obviously fatal, according to officers who arrived first on the scene, Williams said.

From Los Angeles Times

When the United flight was descending to SFO with the seat belt sign on, “it slowed its descent to account for another aircraft at a lower altitude,” United said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Passengers helped restrain Salva using a seat belt after he broke out of flex cuffs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• safety belt