seat belt

American  

Or seatbelt

noun

seat belts plural

1. a belt or strap in an automobile, airplane, etc., fastened around or sometimes diagonally across the midsection to keep the person safely secured, as during a sudden stop.

---

seat belt British  

noun

1. Also called: safety belt.  a belt or strap worn in a vehicle to restrain forward motion in the event of a collision

2. a similar belt or strap worn in an aircraft at takeoff and landing and in rough weather

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• seat belts
  plural

Etymology

Origin of seat belt

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

seat belt

"The masks dropped and there was a strong smell. The head and shoulders of one passenger were outside the window. Fortunately, he hadn't taken off his seat belt."

From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026

They raced to Susman’s home, loaded the computer in her station wagon, smothered the machine in pillows and blankets—and buckled the seat belt.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 20, 2026

Upon walking up to the vehicle, the officer saw the “passenger” was a jacket wrapped around the front seat with a seat belt fastened to resemble a person.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2026

Front seat passengers such as Jenna often have chest, rib and breastbone injuries if wearing a seat belt because of the massive pressure from the impact.

From BBC ● Feb. 14, 2026

I nodded and sat up straight in my seat to readjust my seat belt.

From "Because of Mr. Terupt" by Rob Buyea

Related Words

• safety belt