noun
barrette
buh-RET/bəˈret/
A small clip used to hold hair in place.
She clips a silver barrette into her hair before leaving.
Etymology
Barre with the diminutive ending gives “little bar.” The hair clip is named as a small bar that holds hair in place, making the object's form central to its name.
In context
i bought the barrette because i've been pinning back these front pieces a little bit more just because it's so hot here
More examples
- Two colorful barrettes hold the child's bangs away from her eyes.
- The barrette slips loose during the dance.
- She keeps spare barrettes in the drawer.
Forms
barrette · barrettes
Similar words
- hairpin
- Usually a narrow pin rather than a clasping clip.
- clip
- A broader fastening device not necessarily intended for hair.