ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dreads

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈdɹɛdz// UK //dɹˈɛdz// dreads Informal

n. long, thick strands of hair that are twisted or braided together. You often see this style in hip-hop or reggae music.

n. long, thick, often braided or twisted strands of hair, typically associated with specific cultural or musical styles.


SIMPLE

He decided to grow his hair into dreads.

CONTEXTUAL

The artist's signature look features long dreads that she keeps tied with colorful ribbons.

COMPLEX

While the style of dreads has been popularized globally, it is important to recognize its deep cultural significance within specific communities and the history of its development.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

Abbreviation of dreadlocks. Sense of “Rastafarian person” by synecdoche.

Etymology 2

From dread + -s.

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