belt

1 of 3

noun (1)

1
a
: a strip of flexible material worn especially around the waist as an item of clothing or a means of carrying something (such as tools)
b
: a similar article worn as a corset or for protection or safety or as a symbol of distinction
2
: a continuous band of tough flexible material for transmitting motion and power or conveying materials
3
a
: an area characterized by some distinctive feature (as of culture, habitation, geology, or life forms)
especially : one suited to a particular crop
the corn belt
4
belted adjective
beltless adjective

belt

2 of 3

verb

belted; belting; belts

transitive verb

1
a
: to encircle or fasten with a belt
b
: to strap on
2
a
: to beat with or as if with a belt : thrash
b
: strike, hit
3
: to mark with a band
4
: to sing in a forceful manner or style
belting out popular songs
5
: to drink quickly
belted down a shot of whisky

intransitive verb

1
: to move or act in a speedy, vigorous, or violent manner
2
: to sing loudly

belt

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
: a jarring blow : whack
2
: drink
a belt of gin
Phrases
below the belt under one's belt
: in one's possession : as part of one's experience

Examples of belt in a Sentence

Verb His bathrobe was loosely belted. He belted the ball down the fairway. Some drunk got mad and threatened to belt me.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Vocally, Rodrigo has a breathy, vowel-bending delivery that can swoop into a full-tilt belt; as a performer, her acting background serves her well, including quick and subtle mannerisms — a pout here, an arched eyebrow there — that accentuate the musical mood. Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press, 24 Mar. 2024 Opt for this handy belt bag that’s large enough to fit essentials like a phone and wallet, then look to these rectangular Oakley sunglasses that have been slashed to just $109. Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024 For example, this super sporty hip bag from Fjallraven, known for its ultra-cool backpacks, can be worn across the body or as a belt bag. Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024 Photograph by Christina Holmes At the start of Michigan’s fruit belt are sprawling apple and peach orchards, and endless berry patches begging you to stop by and stain your fingertips. Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 21 Mar. 2024 Also, the hardshell design felt way more elevated for a night out, compared to the classic belt bag, which is absolutely functional but not exactly chic. Patrice J. Williams, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2024 On a treadmill, the propulsion of the belt does much of that work for you.2 2. Jennifer Cohen, Health, 16 Mar. 2024 Entering the New-York Historical Society from Central Park West, all visitors come upon a section of wampum belt and the kind of statement that in the last several years has become standard fare at cultural institutions. Marc Tracy, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024 And at just $10, this versatile new belt bag is a no-brainer. Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2024
Verb
New concealed celebrity contestants like Gumball, Goldfish, and Ugly Sweater are belting it out for the chance to win the Golden Mask trophy, following in the masked footsteps of season 10 champ Cow, who was revealed as Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ne-Yo. Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2024 Max Muncy, Oakland’s No. 8 prospect, chipped in by belting his second home run of the spring. Jon Becker, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2024 In the clip, Black and Gass strut around the red carpet, doing dance moves and jump-kicking while belting along to the D’s hard rock take on the 1998 pop smash. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2024 Michael Michael Kors polka dot Georgette belted tie-neck romper Falke Pure Matt 100 DEN tights Gucci rectangle optical frame Rag & Bone Shiloh mid boots @gwynethpaltrow A timeless white T-shirt is a must. Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024 But that danger is mitigated substantially by the passenger and driver both wearing a helmet and Hans Device, as well as being belted snugly into the cockpit by a five-point harness system. Jim Clash, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The Razorbacks belted two home runs -- a solo shot by Bri Ellis and a two-run homer by Kennedy Miller. Chip Souza, arkansasonline.com, 2 Mar. 2024 To paint the picture, Rodrigo belts her heart out wearing only a bra and hot pants at one point during the concert. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 Waters belted a changeup that was left over the plate. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'belt.' 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

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German balz belt; both from Latin balteus belt

Verb

Middle English belten, derivative of belt belt entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of belt was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near belt

Cite this Entry

“Belt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belt. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

belt

1 of 3 noun
1
: a strip of flexible material (as leather) worn around a person's body for holding in or supporting something (as clothing, tools, or weapons) or for ornament
2
: a flexible continuous band running around wheels or pulleys and used for moving or carrying something
a fan belt on a car
3
: a region suited to or producing something or having some special feature
the corn belt
a storm belt
belted adjective

belt

2 of 3 verb
1
: to put a belt on or around
2
: to hit hard
belt a home run
3
: to mark with a band
4
: to sing in a forceful way
belt out a song

belt

3 of 3 noun
: a jarring blow

More from Merriam-Webster on belt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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