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 passenger—a 61-year-old Serbian national—had been wearing his seat belt when the window dislodged, and was partly sucked through the opening, a fellow passenger and a hospital workers’ representative told local media.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

"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

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

The company will also inspect the affected vehicles and replace the driver’s seat belt if necessary.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 3, 2025

“I miss everyone already,” I say, fumbling with the buckle on my seat belt.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan

Related Words

• safety belt