ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bracelet

n. · v.
US //ˈbɹeɪsɫət// UK //bɹˈeɪslət// bracelet
  1. 1 jewellery (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a piece of jewellery worn around the wrist.

    an ornamental band or chain worn around the wrist.

    Example

    She wore a beautiful gold bracelet that her grandmother gave her for graduation.

    Example

    The artisan crafted a delicate silver bracelet featuring intricate engravings and small semi-precious stones embedded along the clasp.
  2. 2 watch strap (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the band or strap that holds a watch on your wrist.

    the metal or leather strap used to secure a wristwatch to the wearer's wrist.

    Example

    The metal bracelet on his watch was too loose and kept sliding down.

    Example

    The luxury watch features an interchangeable stainless steel bracelet, allowing the wearer to switch to a leather strap for more formal occasions.
  3. 3 armour (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    a piece of metal armour used in the past to protect the arm.

    a historical piece of defensive plate armour designed to protect the arm.

    Example

    The knight polished his steel bracelet before the tournament began.

    Example

    The museum's medieval collection includes a rare fourteenth-century bracelet designed to shield the forearm from heavy sword blows.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is restricted to historical or fantasy contexts; modern speakers use 'bracelet' exclusively for jewellery.
    • vambrace
    • bracer
  4. 4 to encircle (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    to surround or go around something like a ring.

    to encircle or encompass something in a manner resembling a bracelet.

    Example

    A ring of bright flowers seemed to bracelet the base of the old tree.

    Example

    The morning mist began to bracelet the mountain peaks, creating a soft white ring against the dark granite.

    Usage

    This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Origin

From Old French bracelet, diminutive form of bras (“arm”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026