dreadlock

noun

dread·​lock ˈdred-ˌläk 

plural dreadlocks

1

: a narrow ropelike strand of hair formed by matting, braiding, or twisting : lock

2

dreadlocks ˈdred-ˌläks  plural : a hairstyle consisting of dreadlocks : locks

dreadlocked

ˈdred-ˌläkt 

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The rapper embellished the photo of him and Stewart with some artistic editing liberties to give them both new accessories, including dreadlocks for himself and a hat and glasses combination for Stewart. —Ilana Frost, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023

The bill is part of a national movement to ban racial discrimination against hairstyles and textures, such as dreadlocks, braids and twists. —Philip Jankowski, Dallas News, 12 May 2023

Black women with natural styles are seen as less professional and competent than Black women straightened hair, research suggests, and some schools outright ban dreadlocks and braids. —Quinn Clark, Journal Sentinel, 1 May 2023

About forty years old and incarcerated at California’s San Quentin State Prison, Rauch is known for his aromatic dreadlocks and his menagerie of pets: gophers, rabbits, a praying mantis, snails, swallows—even, for a time, a tarantula. —Jean Dykstra, The New York Review of Books, 27 Apr. 2023

With his dreadlocks coated in traces of blond swinging from the back of his helmet, Yolas is always on the move. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2023

Bowers was inspired to file the proposal after high-profile incidents involving two Black high school students in the U.S. who were forced to cut off their dreadlocks or face consequences. —Aarón Torres, Dallas News, 13 Apr. 2023

There’s a homeless guy with impressive dreadlocks who pretty much lives in the alley behind the Gwar bar. —Jackson Landers, SPIN, 10 Apr. 2023

The friends posed together backstage in colorful dreadlocks, which caused quite a bit of controversy. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined at sense 1