rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryplaitInterwoven strands
noun / verb

plait

PLAT/plæt/

A braid of flexible strands, or to weave strands into one.

The plait runs down the head in three interwoven locks of hair.

A clear three-strand braid of hair is shown on the back of an adult head, with the three interwoven locks easy to trace; natural hair and no extra strands.
Etymology
plaitLatinto fold, twist

The root means folding or twisting. Plait was used both for cloth doubled into narrow folds and for interlaced hair, connecting the word with strands folded over one another.

In context

Natural202026:29
you can plait under when you want a bit more flexibility with the plait at the root.
How to Plait/Braid Your Own Hair 2026 | Type 4 | Tutorial

More examples

  • He plaits three leather strips into a bracelet.
  • She wears her hair in two neat plaits.
  • We plait long blades of grass into a cord.

Forms

plait · plaits · plaited · plaiting

Similar words

braid
The more usual American word for the same structure or action.
weave
Often involves crossing threads into fabric rather than one narrow braid.
interlace
Means crossing strands together without necessarily forming a braid.