barrette

noun

bar·​rette bä-ˈret How to pronounce barrette (audio)
bə-
: a clip or bar for holding hair in place

Examples of barrette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Kate’s signature pieces, including eye-catching hair claws and barrettes, are meticulously crafted from resilient resin and cellulose acetate, ensuring both durability and style. Alex Kessler, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2024 Instead of the half-up portion of the hair being pulled through like a small ponytail or secured with a barrette, it's held in place at the base of the headpiece with a braid — very much like a low crown braid only across the back of her head. Marci Robin, Allure, 26 Dec. 2023 Halle Bailey offered a take on the year's fun French, her nails tipped in subtle metallics, opted for an onyx polish job, good oral hygiene (again, maintenance!), cat-eye liner, and an outsized barrette. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2023 Headbands, bobby pins, and barrettes are your friends. Kristi Pahr, Parents, 6 Dec. 2023 According to a description online, the jacket contains a rich wool and mohair blend with a slim fit, satin peaked lapels, and a barrette closure. Justin Ray, Robb Report, 12 July 2023 Her blond hair was glossy and straight, her bangs held back with a barrette. Emily Witt, The New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2023 Her hair, described as long and reddish-brown, was held back with a barrette. John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, 31 Oct. 2022 Simply comb your face-framing pieces behind your ears and line up multiple thin barrettes on both sides for extra flair. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 6 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'barrette.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, diminutive of barre bar

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of barrette was in 1901

Dictionary Entries Near barrette

Cite this Entry

“Barrette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barrette. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

barrette

noun
bar·​rette bä-ˈret How to pronounce barrette (audio)
bə-
: a clip or bar for holding a girl's or woman's hair in place

More from Merriam-Webster on barrette

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