Plait is a word for a fold made in fabric, or for braidingWeaving several strands into one patterned line or shape. hair or other strandsThin threads, hairs, or pieces that can be twisted together. together. It can be a noun or a verb, and its meaning changes depending on the contextThe surrounding words or situation that help explain meaning..
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /pleɪt/
Easy pronunciation: PLATE (approximate spelling).
Stress: One syllable, so the single syllable is stressed.
Noun sense: a fold in fabric made by doubling it back and pressing or stitching it into shape; same pronunciation as the verb and the hair sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Plait Meaning
A folded strip in cloth.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: A fold in fabric made by doubling it back and pressing or stitching it into shape.
Example: The dress had neat plaits at the waist.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- pleat — The closest and most common synonym for this fabric sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Plait
Meaning 2
To braid or weave strands together.
Part of speech: verb
Definition: To make by braiding or interlacing strands.
Example: She plaited the ribbon into her hair.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- braid — A direct substitute in this sense.
- lace — Can work in some contexts of weaving or interlacing, but is less specific.
Meaning 3
A braided hairstyle.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: A hairstyle formed by braiding or twisting the hair.
Example: Her hair was worn in a single plait.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- braid — A standard substitute for this hairstyle sense.
- tress — Related to hair, but usually means a lock or mass of hair rather than the plait itself.
- twist — Can refer to a twisted hairstyle, but is not always exactly the same as a plait.
Meaning 4
To braid hair into plaits.
Part of speech: verb
Definition: To weave hair or other strands into plaits.
Example: She plaited her daughter's hair before school.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Plait Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- pleat
verb: to braid or interlace
- braid
- lace
noun: a hairstyle formed by braiding or twisting the hair
- braid
- tress
- twist
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes mix up plait and pleat. Plait is used for braiding or for a fabric fold; pleat is the more usual word for the fabric fold.
- In hair contexts, plait and braid are often interchangeable, but plait is more common in British English.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does plait mean in sewing?
In sewing, a plait is a fold made by doubling fabric back on itself and shaping it into a neat line or ridge. The usual synonym is pleat.
What does plait mean for hair?
For hair, plait means to braid strands together, or it can refer to the braid itself.
Is plait the same as braid?
Often yes, especially for hair. As a verb, plait can mean to braid. As a noun, it can mean a braided hairstyle or a fabric fold, depending on context.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-15. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.