Ask Difference

Braid vs. Plait — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 3, 2023
A braid and a plait refer to the intertwining of hair or other materials, with "braid" being the preferred term in American English and "plait" in British English.

Difference Between Braid and Plait

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Key Differences

In the United States, the word braid is more commonly used, and it's the prevalent term in the American lexicon. You'll hear people discussing braided hairstyles or even referring to objects like braided ropes. The word has Norse origins, coming from the word "breida," meaning "to pull, draw, or make by interlacing."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
Both braid and plait denote the action or result of intertwining hair, fibers, or other materials. The terms can often be used interchangeably, especially when referring to hair. For many, a braid involves taking three sections and interlacing them in a specific pattern, while a plait might conjure a similar image.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
Despite these regional preferences, in modern global contexts, the distinction between braid and plait has blurred due to media, travel, and the interconnectedness of cultures. Regardless of the term used, the underlying concept remains largely the same: an interwoven pattern of materials or hair.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023
In contrast, in the UK and other English-speaking countries, plait is the preferred term. When discussing hairstyles or the intertwining of materials, a British person is more likely to use "plait" than "braid." The word "plait" comes from the Old French word "plett," meaning "to fold."
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 02, 2023

Comparison Chart

Preferred Region

Primarily used in American English
Primarily used in British English
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Sep 02, 2023

Origins

Norse origin ("breida")
Old French origin ("plett")
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Sep 02, 2023
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Usage in Context

Common in hair styling and craft materials
Common in hair styling and craft materials
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Sep 02, 2023

Number of Strands

Typically involves three or more strands
Typically involves three or more strands
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Synonymy

Often used as a synonym for plait
Often used as a synonym for braid
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Sep 02, 2023

Definitions

Braid

A patterned formation by intertwining three or more strands of hair or fibers.
She wore a beautiful braid down her back.
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Sep 02, 2023

Plait

A single length of hair or other material made up of three or more interwoven strands.
She had a long plait that reached her waist.
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Sep 03, 2023

Braid

A group or cluster, often used metaphorically.
They were a tight braid of friends, always seen together.
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Sep 02, 2023
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Plait

A type of bread or pastry that has been folded in interwoven layers.
She baked a delicious plait filled with cinnamon and sugar.
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Sep 03, 2023

Braid

A decorative band or edging made of interwoven material.
His uniform had a gold braid on the sleeves.
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Sep 02, 2023

Plait

A complex situation or a multifaceted challenge.
The mystery was a plait of clues and red herrings.
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Sep 03, 2023

Braid

A challenge or puzzle, often referring to complexities.
Navigating the new software was a mental braid.
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Sep 02, 2023

Plait

To weave or twist together strands of hair or other materials.
For the festival, she decided to plait colorful ribbons into her hair.
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Sep 03, 2023

Braid

The act of intertwining or weaving together materials or hair.
She decided to braid her sister's hair for the wedding.
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Sep 02, 2023

Plait

A fold or pleat in material.
The skirt had several plaits, giving it volume.
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Sep 03, 2023

Braid

A braid (also referred to as a plait) is a complex structure or pattern formed by interlacing two or more strands of flexible material such as textile yarns, wire, or hair. Braids have been made for thousands of years, in many different cultures around the world, for a variety of uses.
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May 03, 2018

Plait

A single length of hair, straw, rope, or other material made up of three or more interlaced strands
She wore her dark hair in plaits
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Braid

Threads of silk, cotton, or other material woven into a decorative band for edging or trimming garments
Fancy braids
A coat trimmed with gold braid
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Plait

Archaic term for pleat
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Braid

A length of hair made up of three or more interlaced strands
Her hair curled neatly in blonde braids
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Plait

Form (hair, straw, rope, or other material) into a plait or plaits
Her hair had been plaited and coiled at the back of her head
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May 03, 2018

Braid

Interlace three or more strands of (hair or other flexible material) to form a length
Their long hair was tightly braided
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Plait

A braid, especially of hair.
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Braid

Edge or trim (a garment) with braid
Braided red trousers
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Plait

A pleat.
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Braid

(of a river or stream) flow into shallow interconnected channels divided by deposited earth or alluvium
A braided river carries an enormous burden of sand and gravel
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Plait

To braid.
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Braid

To interweave three or more strands, strips, or lengths of in a diagonally overlapping pattern
Braided the rags into a strong rope.
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May 03, 2018

Plait

To pleat.
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Braid

To create (something) by such interweaving
Braid a rug.
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Plait

To make by braiding.
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Braid

To style (the hair) by such interweaving.
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Plait

A flat fold; a doubling, as of cloth; a pleat.
A box plait
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Braid

To mingle (discrete elements, for example) as if by such interweaving
Braided the ideas into a complex thesis.
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Plait

A braid, as of hair or straw; a plat.
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Braid

To decorate or edge (something) with a trim of interwoven strands
Finished the jacket by braiding the collar and cuffs.
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Plait

(transitive) To fold; to double in narrow folds; to pleat
To plait a ruffle
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Braid

To fasten or decorate (hair) with a band or ribbon.
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Plait

(transitive) To interweave the strands or locks of; to braid
To plait hair
Plaiting rope
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May 03, 2018

Braid

To flow, twist, or wind as if interwoven
A stream braiding through the woods.
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May 03, 2018

Plait

A flat fold; a doubling, as of cloth; a pleat; as, a box plait.
The plaits and foldings of the drapery.
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May 03, 2018

Braid

A braided segment or length, as of hair, fabric, or fiber.
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Plait

A braid, as of hair or straw; a plat.
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May 03, 2018

Braid

Ornamental cord or ribbon, used especially for decorating or edging fabrics.
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Plait

To fold; to double in narrow folds; to pleat; as, to plait a ruffle.
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Braid

A ribbon or band used to fasten the hair.
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Plait

To interweave the strands or locks of; to braid; to plat; as, to plait hair; to plait rope.
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Braid

To make a sudden movement with, to jerk.
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Plait

A hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
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Braid

To start into motion.
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Plait

Any of various types of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape
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Braid

(transitive) To weave together, intertwine (strands of fibers, ribbons, etc.); to arrange (hair) in braids.
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Plait

Make by braiding or interlacing;
Lace a tablecloth
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Braid

To mix, or make uniformly soft, by beating, rubbing, or straining, as in preparing food.
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Plait

Weave into plaits;
Plait hair
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May 03, 2018

Braid

(obsolete) To reproach; to upbraid.
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May 03, 2018

Braid

(obsolete) A sudden movement; a jerk, a wrench.
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May 03, 2018

Braid

A weave of three or more strands of fibers, ribbons, cords or hair often for decoration.
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Braid

A stranded wire composed of a number of smaller wires twisted together
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Braid

A tubular sheath made of braided strands of metal placed around a central cable for shielding against electromagnetic interference.
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Braid

(obsolete) A caprice or outburst of passion or anger.
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Braid

To weave, interlace, or entwine together, as three or more strands or threads; to form into a braid; to plait.
Braid your locks with rosy twine.
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May 03, 2018

Braid

To mingle, or to bring to a uniformly soft consistence, by beating, rubbing, or straining, as in some culinary operations.
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Braid

To reproach. [Obs.] See Upbraid.
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Braid

To start; to awake.
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Braid

A plait, band, or narrow fabric formed by intertwining or weaving together different strands.
A braid of hair composed of two different colors twined together.
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Braid

A narrow fabric, as of wool, silk, or linen, used for binding, trimming, or ornamenting dresses, etc.
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Braid

A quick motion; a start.
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Braid

A fancy; freak; caprice.
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Braid

Deceitful.
Since Frenchmen are so braid,Marry that will, I live and die a maid.
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May 03, 2018

Braid

A hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
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Braid

Trimming used to decorate clothes or curtains
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Braid

Make by braiding or interlacing;
Lace a tablecloth
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Braid

Decorate with braids or ribbons;
Braid a collar
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Braid

Form or weave into a braid or braids;
Braid hair
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FAQs

Which term is more common in the UK?

In the UK, "plait" is more commonly used.
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Sep 03, 2023

Is there a difference in the weaving technique?

Generally, both terms refer to intertwining three or more strands, so the basic technique is the same.
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Sep 03, 2023

Which term is more common in the US?

In the US, "braid" is the preferred term.
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Sep 03, 2023

Can you braid or plait with more than three strands?

Absolutely, some braids or plaits use multiple strands for intricate designs.
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Sep 03, 2023

Can both words be used as verbs?

Yes, both "braid" and "plait" can denote the action of intertwining materials or hair.
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Sep 03, 2023

Are there any other uses for "braid"?

"Braid" can also refer to decorative bands on clothing or a metaphorical complex situation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 03, 2023

Are "braid" and "plait" synonyms?

Yes, "braid" and "plait" can be used interchangeably, especially when referring to hair.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 03, 2023

Are there regional variations of these terms in other languages?

Yes, many languages have distinct terms for the action or result of intertwining materials.
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Sep 03, 2023

Are there famous styles of braids or plaits?

Yes, styles like the French braid, Dutch braid, and fishtail are popular variations of braids or plaits.
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Sep 03, 2023

Can "plait" refer to a type of bread?

Yes, "plait" can refer to bread or pastry woven in layers.
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Sep 03, 2023

Are braids or plaits just a fashion statement?

While often used for style, braids and plaits have cultural, historical, and functional significance in many societies.
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Sep 03, 2023

Can men braid or plait their hair?

Absolutely, braiding or plaiting hair isn't gender-specific and is common among men in various cultures.
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Sep 03, 2023

How many strands are needed to create a basic braid or plait?

Typically, three strands are used for a basic braid or plait.
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Sep 03, 2023

Is braiding or plaiting just for hair?

No, materials like fibers, ropes, and dough can be braided or plaited.
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Sep 03, 2023

Which term is older: braid or plait?

"Plait" has older origins from Old French, while "braid" comes from Norse.
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Sep 03, 2023

Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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