Definition

Noun: A hairstyle in which the hair is gathered and secured at the back of the head, allowing the rest of the hair to hang freely and loosely, resembling the tail of a pony.

Usage

This noun refers to a common, practical hairstyle. It is a count noun (e.g., a ponytail, two ponytails). It is typically worn for casual activities, sports, or to keep hair neat and out of the face.

Examples

• She tied her long hair into a ponytail before going for a run.
• The dancer's high ponytail swished from side to side as she moved.
• He prefers a simple, low ponytail for work.

Advanced Usage

• Descriptive Modifiers: The word is often modified by adjectives describing its position or style (e.g., , , , ).
  • She wore an elegant, high ponytail to the gala.
• Compound Descriptions: It can be part of a descriptive compound noun phrase (e.g., , ). Note that these are separate terms.
  • I need a new ponytail holder; my old one broke.

Variants and Related Words

• Pigtails (n. pl.): A hairstyle where the hair is divided into two sections, often braided or tied, one on each side of the head. This is a distinct, related hairstyle.
• Bun (n.): A hairstyle where the hair is twisted or wound into a round shape and secured at the back of the head.

Synonyms

• Tail (informal, when context is clear about hair).
• There is no perfect single-word synonym; the description "hair tied back" is a common paraphrase.

Idioms

There are no common idioms specifically using the word ponytail.

Noun

1. a hair style that draws the hair back so that it hangs down in back of the head like a pony's tail