Braid Vs. Plait - What's The Difference? - Ask Difference

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Braid vs. Plait — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 3, 2023A braid and a plait refer to the intertwining of hair or other materials, with "braid" being the preferred term in American English and "plait" in British English. Braid vs. Plait — What's the Difference?

Braid vs. Plait — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Braid and Plait

Key DifferencesComparison ChartCompare with DefinitionsCommon CuriositiesShare Your DiscoveryADVERTISEMENT

Key Differences

Both braid and plait denote the action or result of intertwining hair, fibers, or other materials. The terms can often be used interchangeably, especially when referring to hair. For many, a braid involves taking three sections and interlacing them in a specific pattern, while a plait might conjure a similar image.11In the United States, the word braid is more commonly used, and it's the prevalent term in the American lexicon. You'll hear people discussing braided hairstyles or even referring to objects like braided ropes. The word has Norse origins, coming from the word "breida," meaning "to pull, draw, or make by interlacing."15In contrast, in the UK and other English-speaking countries, plait is the preferred term. When discussing hairstyles or the intertwining of materials, a British person is more likely to use "plait" than "braid." The word "plait" comes from the Old French word "plett," meaning "to fold."6Despite these regional preferences, in modern global contexts, the distinction between braid and plait has blurred due to media, travel, and the interconnectedness of cultures. Regardless of the term used, the underlying concept remains largely the same: an interwoven pattern of materials or hair.11

Comparison Chart

Preferred Region

Primarily used in American EnglishPrimarily used in British English9ADVERTISEMENT

Origins

Norse origin ("breida")Old French origin ("plett")13

Usage in Context

Common in hair styling and craft materialsCommon in hair styling and craft materials5

Number of Strands

Typically involves three or more strandsTypically involves three or more strands5

Synonymy

Often used as a synonym for plaitOften used as a synonym for braid16

Compare with Definitions

Braid

A patterned formation by intertwining three or more strands of hair or fibers.She wore a beautiful braid down her back.6

Plait

A single length of hair or other material made up of three or more interwoven strands.She had a long plait that reached her waist.5

Braid

A group or cluster, often used metaphorically.They were a tight braid of friends, always seen together.6

Plait

A type of bread or pastry that has been folded in interwoven layers.She baked a delicious plait filled with cinnamon and sugar.5

Braid

A decorative band or edging made of interwoven material.His uniform had a gold braid on the sleeves.5

Plait

A complex situation or a multifaceted challenge.The mystery was a plait of clues and red herrings.4

Braid

A challenge or puzzle, often referring to complexities.Navigating the new software was a mental braid.4

Plait

To weave or twist together strands of hair or other materials.For the festival, she decided to plait colorful ribbons into her hair.3

Braid

The act of intertwining or weaving together materials or hair.She decided to braid her sister's hair for the wedding.3

Plait

A fold or pleat in material.The skirt had several plaits, giving it volume.3

Braid

A braid (also referred to as a plait) is a complex structure or pattern formed by interlacing two or more strands of flexible material such as textile yarns, wire, or hair. Braids have been made for thousands of years, in many different cultures around the world, for a variety of uses.

Plait

A single length of hair, straw, rope, or other material made up of three or more interlaced strandsShe wore her dark hair in plaits

Braid

Threads of silk, cotton, or other material woven into a decorative band for edging or trimming garmentsFancy braidsA coat trimmed with gold braid

Plait

Archaic term for pleat

Braid

A length of hair made up of three or more interlaced strandsHer hair curled neatly in blonde braids

Plait

Form (hair, straw, rope, or other material) into a plait or plaitsHer hair had been plaited and coiled at the back of her head

Braid

Interlace three or more strands of (hair or other flexible material) to form a lengthTheir long hair was tightly braided

Plait

A braid, especially of hair.

Braid

Edge or trim (a garment) with braidBraided red trousers

Plait

A pleat.

Braid

(of a river or stream) flow into shallow interconnected channels divided by deposited earth or alluviumA braided river carries an enormous burden of sand and gravel

Plait

To braid.

Braid

To interweave three or more strands, strips, or lengths of in a diagonally overlapping patternBraided the rags into a strong rope.

Plait

To pleat.

Braid

To create (something) by such interweavingBraid a rug.

Plait

To make by braiding.

Braid

To style (the hair) by such interweaving.

Plait

A flat fold; a doubling, as of cloth; a pleat.A box plait

Braid

To mingle (discrete elements, for example) as if by such interweavingBraided the ideas into a complex thesis.

Plait

A braid, as of hair or straw; a plat.

Braid

To decorate or edge (something) with a trim of interwoven strandsFinished the jacket by braiding the collar and cuffs.

Plait

(transitive) To fold; to double in narrow folds; to pleatTo plait a ruffle

Braid

To fasten or decorate (hair) with a band or ribbon.

Plait

(transitive) To interweave the strands or locks of; to braidTo plait hairPlaiting rope

Braid

To flow, twist, or wind as if interwovenA stream braiding through the woods.

Plait

A flat fold; a doubling, as of cloth; a pleat; as, a box plait.The plaits and foldings of the drapery.

Braid

A braided segment or length, as of hair, fabric, or fiber.

Plait

A braid, as of hair or straw; a plat.

Braid

Ornamental cord or ribbon, used especially for decorating or edging fabrics.

Plait

To fold; to double in narrow folds; to pleat; as, to plait a ruffle.

Braid

A ribbon or band used to fasten the hair.

Plait

To interweave the strands or locks of; to braid; to plat; as, to plait hair; to plait rope.

Braid

To make a sudden movement with, to jerk.

Plait

A hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair

Braid

To start into motion.

Plait

Any of various types of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape

Braid

(transitive) To weave together, intertwine (strands of fibers, ribbons, etc.); to arrange (hair) in braids.

Plait

Make by braiding or interlacing;Lace a tablecloth

Braid

To mix, or make uniformly soft, by beating, rubbing, or straining, as in preparing food.

Plait

Weave into plaits;Plait hair

Braid

(obsolete) To reproach; to upbraid.

Braid

(obsolete) A sudden movement; a jerk, a wrench.

Braid

A weave of three or more strands of fibers, ribbons, cords or hair often for decoration.

Braid

A stranded wire composed of a number of smaller wires twisted together

Braid

A tubular sheath made of braided strands of metal placed around a central cable for shielding against electromagnetic interference.

Braid

(obsolete) A caprice or outburst of passion or anger.

Braid

To weave, interlace, or entwine together, as three or more strands or threads; to form into a braid; to plait.Braid your locks with rosy twine.

Braid

To mingle, or to bring to a uniformly soft consistence, by beating, rubbing, or straining, as in some culinary operations.

Braid

To reproach. [Obs.] See Upbraid.

Braid

To start; to awake.

Braid

A plait, band, or narrow fabric formed by intertwining or weaving together different strands.A braid of hair composed of two different colors twined together.

Braid

A narrow fabric, as of wool, silk, or linen, used for binding, trimming, or ornamenting dresses, etc.

Braid

A quick motion; a start.

Braid

A fancy; freak; caprice.

Braid

Deceitful.Since Frenchmen are so braid,Marry that will, I live and die a maid.

Braid

A hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair

Braid

Trimming used to decorate clothes or curtains

Braid

Make by braiding or interlacing;Lace a tablecloth

Braid

Decorate with braids or ribbons;Braid a collar

Braid

Form or weave into a braid or braids;Braid hair

Common Curiosities

Which term is more common in the UK?

In the UK, "plait" is more commonly used.14

Is there a difference in the weaving technique?

Generally, both terms refer to intertwining three or more strands, so the basic technique is the same.14

Which term is more common in the US?

In the US, "braid" is the preferred term.10

Can you braid or plait with more than three strands?

Absolutely, some braids or plaits use multiple strands for intricate designs.10

Can both words be used as verbs?

Yes, both "braid" and "plait" can denote the action of intertwining materials or hair.9

Are there any other uses for "braid"?

"Braid" can also refer to decorative bands on clothing or a metaphorical complex situation.7

Are "braid" and "plait" synonyms?

Yes, "braid" and "plait" can be used interchangeably, especially when referring to hair.6

Are there regional variations of these terms in other languages?

Yes, many languages have distinct terms for the action or result of intertwining materials.6

Are there famous styles of braids or plaits?

Yes, styles like the French braid, Dutch braid, and fishtail are popular variations of braids or plaits.5

Can "plait" refer to a type of bread?

Yes, "plait" can refer to bread or pastry woven in layers.4

Are braids or plaits just a fashion statement?

While often used for style, braids and plaits have cultural, historical, and functional significance in many societies.4

Can men braid or plait their hair?

Absolutely, braiding or plaiting hair isn't gender-specific and is common among men in various cultures.4

How many strands are needed to create a basic braid or plait?

Typically, three strands are used for a basic braid or plait.3

Is braiding or plaiting just for hair?

No, materials like fibers, ropes, and dough can be braided or plaited.1

Which term is older: braid or plait?

"Plait" has older origins from Old French, while "braid" comes from Norse.Share via Social MediaEmbed This ContentEmbed CodeShare Directly via MessengerLink

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Author Spotlight

Written byTayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide. ADVERTISEMENT

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