pigtail

noun

pig·​tail ˈpig-ˌtāl How to pronounce pigtail (audio)
plural pigtails
1
: tobacco in small twisted strands or rolls
2
: a lock of hair that has been gathered and banded or braided together at the back or side of the head
The hostess wore a peasant blouse and skirt and had her hair done up in a single thick pigtailJohn Updike
often used in the plural for a hairstyle in which two such locks or braids of hair are worn on either side of the head
a little girl in pigtails
… there's another hairstyle you should definitely try this year: Pigtails … I mean twin high ponytails that sprout from the top or sides of your head and kind of look like animal ears …Erica Smith

Examples of pigtail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bands with names like Power-Tuff Girls and Pop Rocks, Hear the Explosion took over the space, filling it with glitter, sequin vests, pigtails, combat boots and classic black goth chokers. Miami Herald, 13 Oct. 2025 At an inspection station, a woman in pigtails and a surgical mask was in the process of checking a green polo. Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 After nearly three years in the shadows, Wednesday is back with black pigtails and a withering gaze. Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Iron Mountain Road – Tight pigtail turns and narrow tunnels. Josh Max, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pigtail

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pigtail was in 1681

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pigtail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pigtail. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

pigtail

noun
pig·​tail -ˌtāl How to pronounce pigtail (audio)
: a tight braid of hair
pigtailed
-ˌtāld
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pigtail

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!