dreadlock

noun

dread·​lock ˈdred-ˌläk How to pronounce dreadlock (audio)
plural dreadlocks
1
: a narrow ropelike strand of hair formed by matting, braiding, or twisting : lock
2
dreadlocks ˈdred-ˌläks How to pronounce dreadlock (audio) plural : a hairstyle consisting of dreadlocks : locks
dreadlocked adjective

Examples of dreadlock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Darryl George's dreadlocks are braided and wrapped up on top of his head. Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 25 Jan. 2024 Rastafarians, though, are known primarily by many casual observers for two elements of their religion: dreadlocks and the smoking of marijuana. John Blake, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 One woman even set up a salon chair during the demonstration to style dreadlocks in a show of support. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 22 Feb. 2024 Mayowa, the shy one, had a head scarf holding back all but a few of his dreadlocks. Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 Introducing Marley as the biracial son of a white Briton then a Natty Dread (natural dreadlocks) figure doesn’t suffice as the explanation for his quasi-revolutionary artistic expression. Armond White, National Review, 16 Feb. 2024 The group’s music, combined with their look of gold teeth and thick dreadlocks, would soon become synonymous with Miami style and inspire future generations of rappers including Vido’s own cousin, YD. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2024 Come for the high-speed car chases, stay for Bradley Cooper as a sociopathic criminal with dreadlocks. Johnny Loftus, EW.com, 14 Nov. 2023 Key Facts School officials at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, Texas—east of Houston—gave junior Darryl George an in-school suspension at the beginning of the school year in August, arguing his dreadlocks violate the school’s dress code. Brian Bushard, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dreadlock was in 1960

Dictionary Entries Near dreadlock

Cite this Entry

“Dreadlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dreadlock. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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