pigtail

noun

pig·​tail ˈpig-ˌtāl How to pronounce pigtail (audio)
plural pigtails
Synonyms of pigtailnext
1
: tobacco in small twisted strands or rolls
2
: a lock of hair that has been gathered and banded or braided together at the back or side of the head
The hostess wore a peasant blouse and skirt and had her hair done up in a single thick pigtailJohn Updike
often used in the plural for a hairstyle in which two such locks or braids of hair are worn on either side of the head
a little girl in pigtails
… there's another hairstyle you should definitely try this year: Pigtails … I mean twin high ponytails that sprout from the top or sides of your head and kind of look like animal ears …Erica Smith

Examples of pigtail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Later, the hood fell off, revealing her pigtails tied with pink and purple hairbands. Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 Hiergert says this decision — and a later one to add pigtails — was made on the fly. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 Anthurium Beloved by florists, anthurium—also called flamingo flower, laceleaf, and pigtail plant—is long-lasting both on the plant and when cut. Kate Nateras, Architectural Digest, 10 June 2026 Wendy's mascot, named Wendy, is a redhead with her hair styled in two pigtails, each with a blue bow at the end. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pigtail

Word History

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pigtail was in 1681

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Cite this Entry

“Pigtail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pigtail. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

pigtail

noun
pig·​tail -ˌtāl How to pronounce pigtail (audio)
: a tight braid of hair
pigtailed
-ˌtāld
adjective

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