# bonnet

/ˈbɑnət/ (US) · /bˈɒnɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bonnet
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. car engine cover

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

the metal cover over the engine at the front of a car.

For teachers: the hinged metal panel covering the engine compartment of a motor vehicle.

- He opened the bonnet to check the oil before the long drive.
- Steam began pouring from under the bonnet, forcing the driver to pull over before the engine sustained permanent damage.

Usage: Equivalent to the American 'hood'.

### 2. tied hat

noun · CEFR B2

a type of hat that you tie under your chin with ribbons.

For teachers: a head covering, typically for women or children, that is secured by ribbons or strings tied under the chin.

- The baby wore a white lace bonnet to protect her head from the sun.
- In the historical drama, the female characters wore silk bonnets whenever they ventured out into the village streets.

### 3. Scottish cap

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Dialect

a traditional soft, round woollen hat worn in Scotland.

For teachers: a brimless, outdoor woollen cap traditional to Scotland.

- The old man wore a blue bonnet as part of his traditional outfit.
- The regiment was easily identified by the specific tilt of their blue bonnets during the parade.

Teaching tip: Often referred to as a 'bunnet' in modern Scots dialect.

### 4. nautical canvas

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

an extra piece of sailcloth added to the bottom of a sail to catch more wind.

For teachers: an additional strip of canvas laced to the foot of a sail to increase its surface area in light winds.

- The sailors attached a bonnet to the sail to help the ship move faster.
- With the wind dying down, the crew decided to lace on the bonnet to maintain their speed through the channel.

Usage: Used as a technical term in sailing and maritime contexts.

## Examples

- He opened the bonnet to check the oil.
- The mechanic lifted the bonnet and inspected the engine for any leaks.
- After the minor collision, the driver was relieved to find that the bonnet had only sustained a small dent rather than a deep crease.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.