tress

[ tres ]

noun

1. Usually tresses. long locks or curls of hair.
2. a plait or braid of hair.

tress

/ trɛs /

noun

1. often plural a lock of hair, esp a long lock of woman's hair
2. a plait or braid of hair

verb

1. tr to arrange in tresses

Derived Forms

• ˈtressy, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tress¹

1250–1300; Middle English tresse < Middle French: plait or braid of hair < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of tress¹

C13: from Old French trece , of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

I’m a sucker for a sisterhood — I’ve spent hours scrutinizing strangers’ tresses and liking their mirror selfies — but, for me, the last word on hair color or lack thereof still belongs to Anne Kreamer.

From New York Times

The outfits are made of colorful living material, including headdresses of tillandsia, or air plants, and tresses of huperzia, a tropical clubmoss.

From Seattle Times

She sheared the long black tresses that had been her signature look.

From Los Angeles Times

But the highlight was Campbell herself, age 53, who closed the show in a sleek, clinging silver gown, her long tresses swaying behind her.

From Seattle Times

Other than feeding them and untangling their tresses as if weeding a garden, she generally leaves them to their own devices.

From New York Times

Related Words

• braid