barrette
Definition
Noun: A small, decorative clasp or pin used to hold a section of hair in place. It typically consists of a hinged clip that snaps shut.
Usage
A barrette is a functional hair accessory primarily used by women and girls to secure hair away from the face or to create a hairstyle. It is often worn for both practical and decorative purposes.
Examples
- She used a simple black barrette to pull back her bangs.
- The little girl's hair was adorned with a sparkly butterfly barrette.
- For the formal event, she chose an elegant pearl barrette to fasten her chignon.
Advanced Usage
- "To fasten/secure with a barrette": Describes the action of using the accessory.
- She fastened her ponytail with a barrette at the nape of her neck.
Variants and Related Words
- Hair clip: A more general term for any clip used to hold hair, which can include barrettes, bobby pins, and claw clips.
- Hair slide (chiefly British): A term often used synonymously with 'barrette'.
Synonyms
- Hair clasp
- Hair clip
- Hair grip (in some contexts)
Antonyms
- There is no direct antonym, but items with an opposite function could include hair tie (which binds hair in a loop) or headband (which holds hair back without clipping sections).
Noun
-
a pin for holding women's hair in place
