ponytail

American  

[poh-nee-teyl] / ˈpoʊ niˌteɪl /

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.

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ponytail British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of ponytail

First recorded in 1870–75; pony + tail ¹

Explanation

A ponytail is a hairstyle. To make a ponytail, gather your hair at the back or side of your head and secure it with a band so that it hangs down. The ponytail was named for its resemblance to the long tail of a horse or pony. While a classic ponytail might be defined as long hair banded at the back of the head, there are many variations. There are short, stubby ponytails; side ponytails; high and low ponytails; and double ponytails, sometimes called "pigtails." This hairstyle, once mainly worn by children, became very popular in the 1950s thanks to the introduction of the Barbie doll and her iconic ponytail.

Example Sentences

The Stones chose the Echoplex, on a night already reserved for Check Yo Ponytail, which put Chan in a key role for hottest ticket in town that week.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 2024

His partnership with Aoki split in 2006 into competing parties as Chan created Check Yo Ponytail under his new IHeartComix banner.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 2024

They were identified in an indictment only as Shaved Head, Ponytail, Khaki and Spiky Belt.

From New York Times • Aug. 8, 2019

Every guitarist who does something like this — others in the same solo electric-guitar side-project ballpark right now include Mick Barr of Krallice and Dustin Wong, once of Ponytail — does it differently.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2011

Ponytail Girl says her family pattern is Chantilly, but she’ll be picking out her own new pattern when she gets married.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

Related Words

• braid
• dreadlocks
• haircut
• hairdo
• headdress