What does topknot mean?
A topknot is a hairstyle made by pulling the hair back and tying it in a knot on top of the head. It may refer either to the hairstyle itself or to the resulting knot of hair, particularly when describing an animal or a historical style. In contemporary English, the term is often associated with long hair secured neatly on the crown, although it can describe less formal arrangements as well. It also has historical and cultural uses for traditional hairstyles, including styles associated with several Asian and other cultures. Compared with “bun,” which generally suggests a rounded roll at the back of the head, a topknot is specifically positioned on top. The word is useful because it names both a practical hairstyle and the distinctive tuft or knot that appears on the crown of the head.
nounA hairstyle in which the hair is pulled back and tied in a knot on top of the head. The term can also refer to the knot or tuft of hair itself, especially on an animal.
- A hairstyle in which long hair is drawn back and secured in a knot on top of the head.
- A knot or tuft of hair growing or worn on the top of the head, especially in reference to animals or historical hairstyles.
"He tied his long hair into a neat topknot before the performance."
"Her hair was arranged in a smooth topknot for the ceremony."
"The horse had a small, tousled topknot between its ears."
The regular plural is “topknots,” used when referring to multiple hairstyles, knots, or tufts.
"Several dancers wore topknots."
Topknot turns the simple act of tying hair into a distinctive style with roots in both everyday grooming and cultural history.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does topknot come from?
Topknot is a compound formed in English from “top” and “knot.” The word developed in the late 16th century, initially referring to a hairstyle or a knot of hair on the crown. Its second element belongs to the same English word family as “knot,” “knotted,” and “knotty,” all tracing to Germanic and Old English forms associated with tying.
Related word forms
How topknot is actually used
The word is used in both everyday and historical contexts. It is most commonly a neutral fashion term, though it can also describe traditional male hairstyles in several Asian cultures, where “topknot” may carry historical or cultural significance.
Easily confused with topknot
A bun is a rounded hairstyle generally positioned at the back of the head, whereas a topknot is tied specifically on top.
A knot is the tied or looped structure itself; a topknot is a knot of hair worn on top of the head.