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Girdle: meaning, definitions and examples

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girdle

 

[ˈɡərdl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

clothing

A belt or cord worn around the waist.

Synonyms

belt, waistband.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
girdle

An undergarment, usually elastic or supported with bones, worn to shape or support the waist and hips. Often used in contexts involving fashion or vintage clothing.

  • In the 1950s, women often wore girdles to achieve an hourglass figure
  • The girdle provided support and enhanced her silhouette
belt

A strip of leather or other material worn around the waist to support clothing or as a fashion accessory. Commonly used in everyday attire.

  • She wore a stylish belt with her jeans
  • He tightened his belt before starting the hike
waistband

A band encircling the waist, typically part of an article of clothing such as pants or skirts providing structural support.

  • The elastic waistband of the skirt made it easy to fit all sizes
  • He adjusted the waistband of his trousers to make them more comfortable

Examples of usage

  • She wore a girdle to hold up her stockings.
  • The knight tightened his girdle before battle.
Context #2 | Noun

anatomy

A muscular band or ligament that encircles a body part.

Synonyms

band, ligament.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
girdle

Use 'girdle' to refer to a belt or piece of clothing that is worn around the waist to give support, shape, or style. This term is often used in historical or fashion contexts.

  • She wore a lace girdle that accentuated her waist.
  • In ancient times, warriors often wore a girdle to hold their weapons.
band

Use 'band' when referring to a strip of material that is used for binding or holding things together. It can also refer to groups of people or things.

  • He tied the scroll with a red band.
  • The jazz band played at the local club.
ligament

Use 'ligament' in medical contexts to refer to a tough band of tissue that connects bones or supports organs in the body.

  • She tore a ligament in her knee while playing soccer.
  • The doctor explained that the ligament helps stabilize the joint.

Examples of usage

  • The girdle of Venus is a crease on the palm of the hand.
  • The girdle of the eye helps protect the eyeball.
Context #3 | Verb

action

To encircle or bind with a belt or cord.

Synonyms

encircle, surround.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
girdle

Use in a more poetic or old-fashioned sense, often related to something that wraps around another object tightly, like a belt or a piece of clothing.

  • The mountains girdled the small village, offering it protection and isolation
  • She wore a leather girdle that accentuated her waist
encircle

Use when describing something being surrounded or bordered by other things, often in a complete or circular way. Can be used in both physical and abstract contexts.

  • The garden is encircled by a low stone wall
  • The army encircled the enemy, cutting off all routes of escape

Examples of usage

  • She girdled the tree with a ribbon.
  • The city is girdled by a river.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'gyrdel', meaning 'to encircle or bind'.
  • Related words like 'gird' mean to prepare or equip, implying that the girdle serves a purpose beyond fashion.

Historical Context

  • Girdles have been worn since ancient times, with examples found in Egyptian tombs dating back over 3000 years.
  • In the Middle Ages, men also wore girdles, often adorned with decorative belts and hanging pouches.

Fashion and Culture

  • During the Victorian era, women wore corsets that were often referred to as girdles, emphasizing an hourglass figure.
  • Modern girdles have evolved into shapewear, popularized by celebrities and influencers, promoting a smooth silhouette.

Psychology

  • The choice to wear a girdle or any shaping garment often ties into societal beauty standards and self-esteem.
  • A study found that how individuals feel in shapewear can boost confidence, affecting their social interactions.

Pop Culture

  • In literature, girdles often symbolize constraint or limitation, as seen in various stories where characters grapple with societal expectations.
  • Films from different eras showcase characters who use girdles as a fashion statement, reflecting their time's beauty ideals.

Translations

Translations of the word "girdle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cinta

🇮🇳 कमरबंद

🇩🇪 Gürtel

🇮🇩 ikat pinggang

🇺🇦 пояс

🇵🇱 pas

🇯🇵 ベルト (beruto)

🇫🇷 ceinture

🇪🇸 cinturón

🇹🇷 kemer

🇰🇷 허리띠 (heoritti)

🇸🇦 حزام (hizam)

🇨🇿 pás

🇸🇰 opasok

🇨🇳 腰带 (yāodài)

🇸🇮 pas

🇮🇸 belti

🇰🇿 белбеу

🇬🇪 სარტყელი (sart'q'eli)

🇦🇿 kəmər

🇲🇽 cinturón

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,997, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.