ponytail

noun

po·​ny·​tail ˈpō-nē-ˌtāl 

: a hairstyle in which the hair is pulled together and banded usually at the back of the head so as to resemble a pony's tail

ponytailed

ˈpō-nē-ˌtāld 

adjective

Examples of ponytail in a Sentence

She usually wears her hair pulled back in a ponytail.

Recent Examples on the Web

Obama's delicate braids were styled in a high ponytail, showcasing a pair of large diamond studs, while her makeup consisted of a smoky eye, pops of coral blush, and a glossy lip. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026

Twist the ponytail around itself until a ballerina-style bun is formed. —Glamour, 25 Feb. 2026

Matilda Hruby, a Brighton High School’s 29-0 junior with red ponytails and fire to match, volunteered to referee a youth tourney in Adams City early Sunday. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 22 Feb. 2026

Fifteen-year-old Maryfer Alacantara wore a royal blue bow to match her uniform, with her long hair tied up in a ponytail. —Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ponytail

• abigail
• cottontail
• countervail
• fingernail
• martingale
• mesoscale
• microscale
• monorail
• nanoscale
• swallowtail
• wensleydale
• yellowtail

Kids Definition

ponytail

noun

po·​ny·​tail ˈpō-nē-ˌtāl 

: a hairstyle in which the hair is pulled together and banded usually at the back of the head so as to resemble the tail of a pony