belt

play

noun \ ˈbelt \

Definition of belt

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

b :asteroid belt

4 :beltway 1

—

belted

play \ˈbel-təd\ adjective

—

beltless

play \ˈbelt-ləs\ adjective

— below the belt

:unfair, unfairly

— under one's belt

:in one's possession :as part of one's experience

Origin and Etymology of belt

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

belt

verb

Definition of belt

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

See belt defined for English-language learners

Examples of belt in a Sentence

His bathrobe was loosely belted.
He belted the ball down the fairway.
Some drunk got mad and threatened to belt me.

Origin and Etymology of belt

Middle English belten, derivative of belt ¹belt

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

belt Synonyms

Synonyms

bang, bash, bat, hit, biff, bludgeon, bob, bonk, bop, box, bust, clap, clip, clobber, clock, clout, crack, hammer, knock, nail, paste, pound, punch, rap, slam, slap, slog, slug, smack, smite, sock, strike, swat, swipe, tag, thump, thwack, wallop, whack, whale, zap

Antonyms

ungird, unwrap

Related Words

batter, beat, buffet, bung, chop, cuff, drub, lace, lambaste (or lambast), lick, mangle, maul, pelt, pepper, pommel, pummel, rough; scuff; bunt, flick, stroke, tap; bump, butt, jab, jostle, kick, knee, poke, prod, push, shove, stamp; bowl (down or over), cream, deck, dump [slang], fell, floor, knock down, level; rabbit-punch, sucker punch; cane, club, cudgel, flail, flog, lash, sap, slash, sledge, sledgehammer, spear, stab, switch, thrash, whip; bean, brain, conk, skull

Near Antonyms

unbind, unlash, unshackle, untie, unwind

belt

noun

Definition of belt

1 :a jarring blow :whack

2 :drink

a belt of gin

First Known Use of belt

circa 1864

BELT Defined for English Language Learners

belt

verb

Definition of belt for English Language Learners

: to fasten (something) with a belt
: to hit (someone or something) hard
: to sing (a song) in a loud and forceful way

BELT Defined for Kids

belt

play

noun \ ˈbelt \

Definition of belt for Students

1 :a strip of flexible material (as leather or cloth) worn around a person's body for holding in or supporting something (as clothing or weapons) or for ornament

2 :a flexible endless band running around wheels or pulleys and used for moving or carrying something