What does barrette mean?
A barrette is a small clasp, usually made of plastic or metal, designed to fasten or decorate hair. Snapping shut over a gathered section of hair, it holds strands away from the face, secures ponytails or braids, or simply adds an ornamental touch. The term comes directly from French — a diminutive of 'barre', meaning bar — which makes 'barrette' a linguistic cousin of words like 'barrier' and 'barricade'. Barrettes are especially associated with everyday styling for women and children, ranging from plain functional clasps to jeweled pieces worn at formal occasions. In North America the word is standard, while British English has traditionally favored the term 'hair slide'. Because it names a specific object rather than a broad category, 'barrette' is a precise, useful addition to any vocabulary, instantly recognizable once seen and easy to describe.
nounA clasp or ornament, typically made of plastic or metal, worn to fasten or hold hair in place.
- A decorative clip or clasp worn in the hair to hold it in place.
"She swept her bangs aside and secured them with a tortoiseshell barrette."
"Her grandmother's silver barrette held her chignon neatly in place."
"The little girl's pigtails were fastened with two pink butterfly barrettes."
Standard regular plural.
"She kept a jar full of colorful barrettes on her dresser."
The word 'barrette' comes straight from the French diminutive of 'barre' — the same root that gives us barriers and barricades, shrunk down to hold back hair instead of armies.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of barrette
The word 'barrette' was borrowed from French, where it is a feminine diminutive of 'barre', meaning a bar or rod. The underlying notion is a small bar-like clasp, reflecting the object's shape. Through the same Romance root, related terms such as 'barrier' and 'barricade' also descend from the concept of a bar used to block or secure. The word entered English use as hair fashions popularized the clipped style it describes.
How barrette is actually used
The word is common in North American English; in Britain the term 'hair slide' has traditionally been more widespread, though 'barrette' is increasingly recognized. The word carries a feminine, everyday register.
Easily confused with barrette
A beret is a soft round hat worn on the head, while a barrette is a small clip used to fasten hair.