ponytail

[poh-nee-teyl]

noun

1. an arrangement of the hair in a long lock drawn tightly against the back of the head and cinched so as to hang loosely.

ponytail

/ ˈpəʊnɪˌteɪl /

noun

1. a hairstyle in which the hair is pulled tightly into a band or ribbon at the back of the head into a loose hanging fall

Word History and Origins

Origin of ponytail¹

First recorded in 1870–75; pony + tail ¹

Example Sentences

It all depended on what Laurie wore to kindergarten that day or whether Libby was sporting a ponytail, which slayed me every time.

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She was in her sweatpants, with her hair in a ponytail, when the unexpected call went through.

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Young adults in hiking gear sipped beers beneath chandeliers shaped like wagon wheels as old timers with gray ponytails and cowboy hats chatted with a tattooed bartender.

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With a wink and a flick of her ponytail, Sue and six other dancers — all sporting shiny, one-piece leotards with gratuitous cutouts — begin to gyrate, thrust, and squat to throbbing electronic music.

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“I was kind of excited because I had the same teacher, because I really wanted the same teacher because she was nice and kind,” said RR, who wears glasses and has a dark ponytail.

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Related Words

• braid 
• dreadlocks 
• haircut 
• hairdo 
• headdress