tennis bracelet

noun

plural tennis bracelets

: a bracelet that is made of a single row of small gemstones and especially diamonds typically of a uniform size, cut, and color with each gemstone set within a link of a thin metal chain (as of gold or platinum)

Once reserved for milestone occasions and lavish gifts, the best tennis bracelets have evolved into sophisticated pieces of everyday jewelry …

—Lauren Alexis Fisher et al.

A diamond tennis bracelet dangles from one wrist.

—Jane Stern and Michael Stern

The bracelet flew off [tennis player Chris] Evert's arm and play was interrupted until it could be retrieved. Courtside broadcasters dubbed the adornment Chrissy's "tennis bracelet." Shortly thereafter, it was to die for among female aficionados of the game …

—Nickie McWhirter

Word History

Etymology

perhaps so called because it can be worn with sportswear without looking ostentatious

Note: Numerous online sources aver that the collocation dates from an incident in a tennis match (alternately either in 1978 or 1987) involving the American player Chris Evert. Her bracelet allegedly broke during a match and she asked for a pause in play so that she could collect it. There appears to be no print evidence for tennis bracelet before 1985, however, and no reports of such an incident in 1978.

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above