What does hairband mean?
A hairband is a narrow band, usually made from elastic, that is worn around the head to keep hair away from the face or hold it neatly in place. It is particularly associated with British English, where a simple fabric or elastic band worn across the forehead is a common everyday accessory. In North American English, “hairband” may instead describe an elastic ring used to secure a ponytail or bun, although this overlaps with the more explicit term “hair tie.” Hairbands are also worn during exercise, school, or other situations in which loose hair might be inconvenient. The word combines the everyday elements “hair” and “band,” making its basic meaning transparent. It is useful in general writing because it distinguishes a small elastic hair accessory from a broader headband, which may be decorative, protective, or designed to cover the ears.
nounA narrow, usually elastic band worn around the head to keep hair in place or away from the face; in North American usage, it may also refer to a band used to tie hair back.
- A narrow elastic band worn around the head to hold hair back or keep it away from the face.
- In North American usage, a band looped around a ponytail or other bundle of hair to secure it.
"She wore a plain hairband to keep her hair out of her eyes."
"She wore a plain hairband to keep her hair out of her eyes."
"At the gym, Maya put a hairband around her ponytail."
Used when referring to multiple individual bands.
"The shop sells plain hairbands in several colours."
A few centimetres of elastic can keep a busy morning's hairstyle in place.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hairband come from?
Hairband is a 19th-century English compound formed from “hair” and “band.” “Hair” descends from Old English hǣr, while “band” entered Middle English from Old French bande and ultimately belongs to a Germanic word family related to “bind.” The compound was formed through the ordinary English process of joining elements, with “band” specifying the object and “hair” indicating its purpose.
How hairband is actually used
Usually an everyday, informal word. The head-worn sense is especially common in British English, while American usage also commonly applies the word to a band securing a ponytail.
Easily confused with hairband
A hairband is usually narrow and elastic, while a headband is a broader term for any band worn around the head, including decorative or protective ones.
A hairband commonly encircles the forehead or head, whereas a hair tie is looped around a ponytail, bun, or similar bundle of hair.