pony-tail
Definition
- Noun:
- A hairstyle: a "ponytail" is a hairstyle in which hair is gathered at the back of the head and tied, causing it to hang down like the tail of a pony. This is the standard spelling (often written as "ponytail" without a hyphen in modern usage, but "pony-tail" is an accepted variant).
Usage Examples
- (A practical, neat hairstyle for physical activity.)
- (The hairstyle moved with her movement.)
Advanced Usage
- "High pony-tail": a ponytail tied at the top of the head, often for a more dramatic or youthful look.
- She styled a high pony-tail for the party. (The hair was gathered near the crown of the head.)
- "Low pony-tail": a ponytail tied at the nape of the neck, typically more formal or subdued.
- He preferred a low pony-tail for work. (The hair was tied at the back of the neck.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ponytail (n): the more common spelling without the hyphen.
- Her ponytail was long and sleek. (The hairstyle was well-groomed.)
- Pigtail (n): a similar hairstyle but usually referring to two sections of hair tied on either side of the head, or a single braid.
- She wore her hair in pigtails for school. (Two tied sections, one on each side.)
Synonyms
- Hair tie: the accessory used to secure a ponytail (not a synonym for the hairstyle itself).
- Tail: a colloquial shortening (e.g., "I just need to fix my tail").
Related Idioms
- "Pony-tail flick": a quick, deliberate movement of the ponytail, often to express attitude or flirtation.
- She gave a pony-tail flick as she walked away. (She tossed her hair back with a slight turn of the head.)
Notes on Spelling
- The hyphenated form "pony-tail" is less common than "ponytail" in contemporary English, but both are acceptable. The word is derived from the resemblance to a horse's tail.