pigtail

American  

[pig-teyl] / ˈpɪgˌteɪl /

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.

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pigtail British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• pigtailed adjective

Etymology

Origin of pigtail

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

Example Sentences

“Mind the hair, Cassawoof,” he admonished, for she had grabbed the two pigtails as reins and was yanking them this way and that.

From Literature

Once she was dressed, Penelope braided her hair into two thick pigtails, just the way Cecily used to wear hers.

From Literature

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

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

Related Words

• ponytail