What does anklet mean?
An anklet is an ornament worn around the ankle, typically a chain, band, or string of beads, though the word also denotes a short sock ending just above the ankle bone. As jewelry, anklets have been worn for thousands of years across many cultures — most notably in South Asia and the Middle East, where they have long formed part of traditional dress and bridal adornment, sometimes designed to jingle audibly when the wearer moves. In contemporary Western fashion, anklets are associated chiefly with warm-weather wear, paired with sandals or bare feet, and range from fine silver chains to beaded or charm-adorned designs. The word itself is a straightforward compound of 'ankle' with the diminutive suffix '-let', paralleling words like 'bracelet' and 'armlet'. Whether describing a piece of jewelry or a low-cut sock, 'anklet' is a common, neutral term understood throughout the English-speaking world.
An ornamental chain, band, or bracelet worn around the ankle.
"She bought a handcrafted beaded anklet at the market in Jaipur."
This is the primary and most common sense of the word.
A short sock that reaches just above the ankle bone.
"These cotton anklets are perfect for wearing with sneakers."
This sense is especially common in American English.
The plural 'anklets' is standard and follows regular noun pluralization.
"Traditional dancers often wore pairs of silver anklets on both ankles."
In ancient India, a bride's tinkling anklets announced her arrival — and some were designed to chime with every step.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anklet
Anklet is formed from 'ankle', which derives from Old English 'ancleow' (of Germanic origin), combined with the diminutive suffix '-let'. It is thus a native English formation rather than a borrowing, coined on the model of similar compounds such as 'bracelet' and 'armlet'. The word emerged in English in the early nineteenth century, as interest in exotic and Eastern fashions grew.
How anklet is actually used
The jewelry sense is by far the dominant one; the sock sense is common in American English but less so in British English, where terms like 'trainer socks' are more typical. Anklets carry connotations ranging from casual summer fashion to traditional bridal adornment in South Asian cultures.
Easily confused with anklet
A bracelet is worn on the wrist, while an anklet is the same kind of ornament worn around the ankle.