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
Table of Contents
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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."
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Sep 02, 2023
Comparison Chart
Preferred Region
Primarily used in American English
Primarily used in British English
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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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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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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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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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Braid➦
A decorative band or edging made of interwoven material.
His uniform had a gold braid on the sleeves.
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Plait➦
A complex situation or a multifaceted challenge.
The mystery was a plait of clues and red herrings.
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Braid➦
A challenge or puzzle, often referring to complexities.
Navigating the new software was a mental braid.
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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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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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Plait➦
A fold or pleat in material.
The skirt had several plaits, giving it volume.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Braid➦
To mingle (discrete elements, for example) as if by such interweaving
Braided the ideas into a complex thesis.
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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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Plait➦
(transitive) To interweave the strands or locks of; to braid
To plait hair
Plaiting rope
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Braid➦
To flow, twist, or wind as if interwoven
A stream braiding through the woods.
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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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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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Plait➦
To interweave the strands or locks of; to braid; to plat; as, to plait hair; to plait rope.
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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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Braid➦
To mix, or make uniformly soft, by beating, rubbing, or straining, as in preparing food.
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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➦
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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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➦
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➦
Deceitful.
Since Frenchmen are so braid,Marry that will, I live and die a maid.
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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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Which term is more common in the US?
In the US, "braid" is the preferred term.
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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.
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Are "braid" and "plait" synonyms?
Yes, "braid" and "plait" can be used interchangeably, especially when referring to hair.
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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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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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Can "plait" refer to a type of bread?
Yes, "plait" can refer to bread or pastry woven in layers.
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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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Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.
