# braces

/ˈbɹeɪsəz/ (US) · /bɹˈeɪsɪz/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. for teeth

noun · CEFR B1

a wire device you wear on your teeth to make them straight.

For teachers: an orthodontic appliance consisting of wires and brackets used to align or straighten the teeth.

- He had to wear braces for two years to fix his crooked teeth.
- After the braces were removed, the orthodontist provided a retainer to ensure the teeth remained in their new positions.

### 2. for trousers

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

straps that go over your shoulders to hold up your trousers.

For teachers: a pair of straps worn over the shoulders to support trousers; known as suspenders in American English.

- He wore a smart suit with red braces instead of a belt.
- The traditional tailor suggested silk braces to ensure the trousers draped perfectly without the bunching caused by a leather belt.

Teaching tip: In American English, these are called 'suspenders'. In the UK, 'suspenders' usually refers to items used to hold up stockings.

### 3. handcuffs

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Slang

an old-fashioned word for handcuffs.

For teachers: a slang or dated term for handcuffs or similar restraints.

- The prisoner was led away in braces.
- The historical novel described the thief being roughly secured in iron braces before being transported to the city gaol.

## Examples

- She wears metal braces to straighten her teeth.
- The doctor put him in leg braces to help him walk after the surgery.
- The orthodontist adjusted the wires on his braces, noting that the final alignment would take several more months of careful monitoring.

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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.