braid

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "braid" is correct and usable in English.
You can use it as a verb to refer to the weaving together of multiple strands of hair, fabric, or other materials, or as a noun to refer to a hairstyle created by this process. Example sentence: I love how my daughter's hair looks after I braid it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For more braided hairstyles, search for 'Dutch braid,' 'French braid,' or 'Lauren Conrad braid' on YouTube.

Independent

Braided hair - Alexander Wang's side braid is one of the main trends for spring, and this video shows how to recreate the look in just a few easy steps.

Independent

As I travelled I met new terms as well as salvaging old ones: a painter in the Western Isles who used landskein to refer to the braid of blue horizon lines on a hazy day; a five-year-old girl who concocted honeyfur to describe the soft seeds of grasses pinched between fingertips.

The Guardian - Books

It's okay for Sunshine, who can braid and sell on the beach, but not so good for fishermen selling lobster and villagers selling fruit and vegetables.

The Guardian - Travel

His blue-eyed portrait, in white uniform with gold braid and multiple medals, stared down from walls in offices and private houses alike; but he was stocky and dull, the typical son of a German immigrant brewer, and preferred desk-duties to speeches and parades.

The Economist

His wartime leadership astonished its western allies by ordering up huge quantities of gold braid and shoulder straps to adorn officers' uniforms.

The Economist

An usciere's duties include carrying messages, accompanying visitors and looking dignified in uniforms laden with gold braid.

The Economist

All are stowed in the white steel hull of the 30-metre-long good ship Sinai and around her engine and in the stairways and under the lifeboats and in the lifeboats; every surface is covered with bags, parcels and boxes.When Sudan approaches, after a cold night under the stars on deck, the men roll up blankets and their wives braid the hair of young daughters.

The Economist

Caste-based parties rarely matter much beyond one state, even when the caste they represent does.The BJP's strategy in Bihar, the second largest state, is a textbook example of how to braid caste, anti-incumbency and alliances into victory.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Introduced to him by Puff Daddy, who gave her a job as a backing singer, Cantrell is now so smitten with the braid-sporting, tattooed De Niro that he has been promoted to tour manager.

Independent

The footman with the mirror, elegant in brown satin with gold-braid trim, had an English accent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing hair, be specific about the type of "braid", such as French braid or fishtail braid, for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "braid" metaphorically when a more appropriate term like 'integrate' or 'combine' would be more precise, especially in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "braid" functions primarily as both a noun, referring to a woven structure of hair or other materials, and a verb, describing the act of creating such a structure. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of "braid" in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "braid" is a versatile term, functioning as both a noun and a verb. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically sound and widely used. It refers to the interlacing of strands to create a woven structure, most commonly associated with hair. Ludwig's analysis reveals that "braid" is frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, indicating its broad applicability. While it's a common term, remember to be precise about braid types in specific contexts. Avoid metaphorical misuse; choose words like 'integrate' or 'combine' when appropriate. Whether you're discussing fashion, history, or technical processes, "braid" is a useful and understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plait of hair

Specifically refers to a braid of hair, highlighting the hair styling aspect.

interwoven strands

Emphasizes the act of interlacing elements, applicable to various materials not just hair.

twisted tresses

Focuses on the arrangement of hair in a twisted manner, similar to a braid.

braided rope

Highlights the use of braiding in creating ropes, moving from hair to functional items.

plaited cord

Similar to braided rope, but emphasizes the use of cords.

braiding technique

Highlights the methodology behind creating a braid.

decorative plait

Focuses on the aesthetic aspect of a braid or plait.

woven lock

Describes a lock of hair arranged in a woven pattern.

entwined fibers

Broadens the concept to include any type of fibers that are intertwined.

braid together

Focuses on the act of braiding or bringing strands together.

FAQs

How to use "braid" in a sentence?

You can use "braid" as a noun, referring to a woven hairstyle, or as a verb, meaning to interweave strands. For example, "She wore her hair in a "braid"" (noun) or "I'm going to braid my hair" (verb).

What can I say instead of "braid"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "braid" include "plait" for the hairstyle or "interweave" when referring to the action of interlacing strands.

Which is correct, "braid" or "plaited"?

"Braid" and "plaited" are often used interchangeably, with "braid" being more common in American English and "plaited" in British English. Both refer to the same weaving technique.

What's the difference between a "braid" and a "twist"?

A "braid" involves interlacing three or more strands, while a "twist" typically involves wrapping two strands around each other. A "braid" creates a more complex and stable structure.