scrunchie

American

[skruhn-chee] / ˈskrʌn tʃi /

Or scrunchy

noun

plural

scrunchies

an elastic band covered with gathered fabric, used to fasten the hair, as in a ponytail.

scrunchie British

/ ˈskrʌntʃɪ /

noun

a loop of elastic covered loosely with fabric, used to hold the hair in a ponytail, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of scrunchie

First recorded in 1985–90; scrunch ( def. ) + -ie ² ( def. ), perhaps influenced by the trademark Scünci

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hard to know what she’ll appreciate more: the peaceful slumber or the practical drawstring bag constructed in the same silky fabric as the mask and scrunchie.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

She wore her pressed-out or relaxed hair in a slicked-back bun with a gold scrunchie.

From Salon • Aug. 3, 2024

Moira: I did not buy anything, because I don’t think I know anyone who wants a Slytherin scrunchie.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2023

Shortly before her 100m final at the 2018 European Championships, Dina sent a concerning message which read 'Emergency!' - but she just wanted our opinion on which scrunchie she should wear.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2023

Her hair is pulled into a ponytail with a matching scrunchie, because Millie might be the only person I know who still wears scrunchies.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023