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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The teen opted for pigtails — quite the change from the pink buzz cut just weeks ago. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 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 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 13 Apr. 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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