Bangle - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

jewelry

A rigid bracelet or anklet, typically made of metal, wood, or plastic, worn as an ornament around the wrist or ankle.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bangle	Bangles are rigid bracelets that typically do not have clasps or openings. They are often worn in multiples, especially in South Asian cultures, during traditional ceremonies or festive occasions. She wore a stack of colorful bangles to the wedding ceremony
bracelet	Bracelets are worn around the wrist and come in various styles including chains, beaded, or charm bracelets. These are suitable for both casual and formal settings. She selected a silver bracelet to match her evening gown
anklet	Anklets are worn around the ankle. They can be simple chains or more decorative pieces with charms. Anklets are often worn during casual or beach outings. She put on a delicate anklet to complement her summer dress and sandals
armlet	Armlets are worn on the upper arm. These are often seen in historical or fantasy settings, and can be part of traditional or ceremonial attire in certain cultures. The ancient warrior wore a golden armlet inscribed with symbols of power

Examples of usage

She wore a set of colorful bangles on her wrist.
The dancer's bangles jingled as she moved.
I bought a silver bangle as a gift for my friend.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term is believed to come from the Hindi word 'bangri', which means 'bracelet'.
Bangles have been worn in South Asia for centuries, often representing marital status and cultural identity.
Ancient artifacts, including bangles made from clay and glass, have been uncovered in archaeological sites, indicating their long history.

Cultural Significance

In India, newly married women wear red and gold bangles as part of traditional wedding attire, symbolizing prosperity.
Bangles are often worn during festivals, with the colors and materials representing different sentiments and celebrations.
In some cultures, the number of bangles worn can signify age and social status, with specific designs holding special meanings.

Fashion Trends

Bangles have evolved into a fashion staple, often stacked for style and individual expression.
Celebrity influencers frequently showcase unique bangle collections, merging cultural elements with modern trends.
Materials like wood, glass, and gemstones are now common in bangle designs, appealing to a wide range of fashion tastes.

Art and Craft

Skillful artisans often create handcrafted bangles, blending traditional techniques with contemporary designs.
Bangles are sometimes embedded with intricate patterns, showcasing elaborate craftsmanship that can take hours to complete.
Art exhibitions can feature bangle designs that reflect cultural heritage and modern artistry, bringing attention to this accessory’s versatility.

Origin of 'bangle'

The word 'bangle' originated in Hindi and Urdu languages, deriving from the Sanskrit word 'bangrika', which means 'glass'. Bangles have been worn for centuries in various cultures as a symbol of beauty and tradition. They can be made from different materials such as gold, silver, glass, or even plastic, and are often worn as part of traditional attire or as fashion accessories.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,827 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34824 astronautics
34825 homogenize
34826 sharpshooter
34827 bangle
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34830 overspending
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Bangle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations