pigtail

noun

pig·​tail ˈpig-ˌtāl How to pronounce pigtail (audio)
plural pigtails
1
: tobacco in small twisted strands or rolls
2
: a lock of hair that has been gathered and banded or braided together at the back or side of the head
The hostess wore a peasant blouse and skirt and had her hair done up in a single thick pigtailJohn Updike
often used in the plural for a hairstyle in which two such locks or braids of hair are worn on either side of the head
a little girl in pigtails
… there's another hairstyle you should definitely try this year: Pigtails … I mean twin high ponytails that sprout from the top or sides of your head and kind of look like animal ears …Erica Smith

Examples of pigtail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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With her signature pink pigtails, Abby is the daughter of the Fairy Godmother and shares a close bond with Rosita on Sesame Street. Casey Clark, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025 In her signature pigtails and yellow and orange dress, Young-hee is all set for a game of Red Light, Green Light. Tim Lammers, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 Daughter Esti Maxine, 17 months, then appeared wearing a red and white striped romper while sporting playful pigtails in her hair. Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 8 July 2024 His hair was unfinished: one side in braids, the other a pigtail. Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pigtail

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pigtail was in 1681

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Cite this Entry

“Pigtail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pigtail. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pigtail

noun
pig·​tail -ˌtāl How to pronounce pigtail (audio)
: a tight braid of hair
pigtailed
-ˌtāld
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pigtail

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