# seatbelt

/ˈsitˌbɛɫt/ (US) · /sˈiːtbɛlt/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/seatbelt
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a strong strap in a car or plane that you fasten across your body to keep you safe if there is an accident.

For teachers: a safety strap designed to secure a passenger in a vehicle or aircraft, preventing injury during a collision or sudden stop.

## Examples

- Please fasten your seatbelt before we start the car.
- The flight attendant walked through the cabin to ensure every passenger had their seatbelt securely buckled for takeoff.
- Modern automotive safety systems rely on the seatbelt to keep the occupant in the correct position for the airbag to deploy effectively during an impact.

## Pitfalls

- Not "put your seatbelt" but "put on your seatbelt" — When using 'put', the particle 'on' is required; otherwise, use the single verb 'fasten'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verbs 'fasten', 'buckle', or 'wear'.

---

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.