Belt: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for accessories, clothing, or machinery when describing a strip of material that fastens, supports, or drives objects.

• He tightened his belt before going on stage.
• The car's engine had a broken fan belt.

Refers to a narrow piece of leather, cloth, or other material, often used to fasten, secure, or carry items. It can refer to parts of bags, devices, or even shoes.

• She adjusted the strap on her handbag.
• The backpack's strap broke as he was walking.

Typically refers to a strip of material that encircles, binds, or marks something, often used in contexts like jewelry or to describe certain groups.

• She wore a gold band on her finger.
• They played in a rock band.

Commonly used to describe a long strip or loop of cloth worn over the shoulder or around the waist, often for ceremonial, formal, or decorative purposes.

• The beauty queen wore a sash with 'Miss Universe' written on it.
• He tied a red sash around his waist for the costume party.

A belt is typically used to hold up pants or skirts around the waist. It can also signify a tool used in machinery to transfer motion or power.

• He tightened his belt before heading to work.
• The engine's belt needs to be replaced.

Band usually refers to a thin strip of material wrapped around something, like hair, the wrist, or used in forming a loop. It can also mean a group of musicians.

• She wore a colourful band in her hair.
• The wedding band played romantic songs all night.

A sash is a long piece of cloth worn over the shoulder or around the waist, often as a part of formal wear or to signify rank or authority.

• The beauty queen wore a sash across her shoulder.
• He received a sash to signify his new position.

A strap is a narrow piece of material, often leather or fabric, used to secure or carry something, like a bag or watch. It can also refer to fastenings on clothing.

• She adjusted the strap of her purse.
• The watch strap broke, and he needed a new one.

Commonly used when talking about a region, such as a geographical belt, or to denote a hard strike. This context often differs from clothing.

• The regions in the Rust Belt have been facing economic challenges
• He gave the punching bag a hard belt

General term for securely attaching or closing something. Can be used in a variety of contexts but doesn't specifically describe belts.

• Make sure to fasten your seatbelt before the plane takes off
• He fastened the latch on the gate

Broader term that means to make something safe or stable. It can apply to physical objects, data, or situations, and often implies ensuring a higher level of safety.

• They secured the cargo with strong ropes
• He needed to secure his computer files with a password

Relevant when discussing the fastening mechanism on belts, shoes, or other items that use a clasp. Also used metaphorically to describe something collapsing under pressure.

• She adjusted the buckle on her belt
• The bridge started to buckle under the weight of heavy traffic