pigtail

[pig-teyl]

noun

1. a braid of hair hanging down the back of the head.

2. pigtails, two bunches of hair gathered and fastened on either side of the head, in braids or hanging freely.

3. tobacco in a thin, twisted roll.

4. Electricity.

   1. a short, flexible wire used in connecting a stationary terminal with a terminal having a limited range of motion.

   2. a short wire connected to an electric device, as a lead or ground.

pigtail

/ ˈpɪɡˌteɪl /

noun

1. a bunch of hair or one of two bunches on either side of the face, worn loose or plaited

2. a twisted roll of tobacco

Other Word Forms

• pigtailed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pigtail¹

First recorded in 1680–90; pig ¹ + tail ¹

Example Sentences

As the camera zoomed in, Anastacia strutted down the staircase, her hair in pigtails under a candy striped bucket hat, her midriff exposed by a crop top, in accordance with 1990s pop regulations.

From BBC

Posey wore a mini dress featuring the colorway, while Campbell dyed his beard red and black and donned a red and black pigtail wig and shirt with the slogan “Resist Fascism.”

From Los Angeles Times

Now he is raising a 4-year-old daughter with the help of Barnica’s younger brother; every weekend, they take her to see her grandmother, who knows how to braid her hair in pigtails.

From Salon

Miranda Haley, who wore pigtails and a long-sleeve shirt to protect her from the sun, got out and pushed a jug of water through an opening in the wall.

From Los Angeles Times

Class photos shared from over the years showed Shaylee in second grade, wearing pigtails, and years later, with highlights in her hair.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ponytail