WordGarden.iobelt
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈɛlt/
US
- /ˈbɛlt/
Meanings
Noun
a strap worn around the waist as clothing or an accessory
a loop or band in a machine that drives parts or carries materials
a band or zone stretching across an area or around something
Verb
to hit very hard
Beyond the definition
A belt isn't just something that holds up your pants! It's a loop of material—leather, fabric, even metal—designed to circle your waist or another part of the body. Think of a cowboy with his trusty gun belt, or a martial artist earning a black belt to signify mastery. But "belt" can also be a verb! To belt something means to fasten it securely, like "He belted his coat tight against the wind." Or, more playfully, you can belt out a song, meaning to sing loudly and powerfully. Historically, belts were crucial for carrying tools and weapons; today, they remain both a functional necessity and a stylish fashion statement. A belt isn't just something that keeps your pants up! It's a loop of material—leather, fabric, even metal—designed to circle your waist or another part of the body. Think of a cowboy with his trusty gun belt, or a martial artist earning a black belt to signify mastery. But "belt" can also be a verb! To belt something means to fasten it tightly in place, as in "He belted his coat against the wind." Or, more playfully, you can belt out a song, meaning to sing loudly and powerfully. Historically, belts were crucial for carrying tools and weapons; today, they remain both a functional necessity and a stylish fashion statement.
The word "belt" has a surprisingly versatile history. Most commonly, a belt is a strap of leather or fabric worn around the waist to secure clothing like pants or skirts. It can be purely functional, preventing wardrobe malfunctions, or decorative, adding flair to an outfit with unique buckles and textures. Historically, belts were essential for carrying tools and weapons, a legacy seen today in the "utility belts" used by tradespeople and even superheroes.
As a verb, "to belt" expands into several different uses. You can belt an object to secure it, but the word also carries a more aggressive punch: to belt someone is to strike them forcefully. Conversely, in a musical context, to belt out a song is to sing with incredible volume and passion.
The term also reaches into idioms, machinery, and geography. To "tighten your belt" is a common metaphor for reducing spending during lean times. In industry, a "conveyor belt" moves products through a factory, while in a car, a "fan belt" keeps the engine running. We even use the word to describe vast geographic regions with shared characteristics, such as the "Sun Belt" or the "Wheat Belt." Whether it's holding up your trousers, delivering a punch, or defining a region's economy, "belt" is a word that truly wraps itself around many different meanings.
Examples
- 1
Clothing
He threaded the belt through the loops on his jeans.
- 2
Car safety
Please fasten your seat belt before the car starts moving.
- 3
Factory equipment
The bottles travel down a conveyor belt to the packing area.
- 4
Martial arts
She earned her black belt after years of training.
- Domain
in martial arts, a black belt is a high rank
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Financial pressure
We had to tighten our belts when food prices went up.
- Phrasetighten your belt
spend less money
- 6
Achievements
She already has a few big projects under her belt.
- Phraseunder your belt
already achieved or completed
- 7
Personal insult
His comment about her divorce was below the belt.
- Phrasebelow the belt
unfair and too personal
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- leather belt
- fasten a belt
- belt buckle
- utility belt
Word family
Explore
- buckle
- clothing accessories
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- beltnounverb
Forms
- beltspluralnounverb
- belting-ing formverbnoun
- beltedpast tenseverbnoun