noun
aiglet
AY-glet
Aiglet (noun) means the small hard tip on the end of a shoelace that stops it fraying and lets it pass through eyelets. Example: “The plastic aiglet had split, so the lace kept unravelling.”
noun
1
The small hard tip on the end of a shoelace that stops it fraying and lets it pass through eyelets.
"The plastic aiglet had split, so the lace kept unravelling."
"A good aiglet makes it far easier to thread a lace through the eyelets."
"He replaced the metal aiglets on his boots after they rusted."
2
A small decorative metal tag or ornament attached to clothing or trimming.
"Her jacket was trimmed with tiny gilt aiglets along the cuffs."
"Costume historians noted the ornate aiglets sewn onto the doublet."
How to use aiglet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIt is the little cap on the end of a shoelace, or a small decorative tag on clothing.
When to use it
Aglet is the more common everyday spelling; aiglet turns up more in historical and costume writing.
Memory tip
If you only know the word for a shoelace tip, aglet is the spelling you are more likely to meet.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
plastic aiglet
metal aiglet
shoelace aiglet
gilt aiglet
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like aiglet.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The plastic _____ had split, so the lace kept unravelling.
Etymology
Aiglet was borrowed from Middle French aiguillette, meaning needle, itself a diminutive of aiguille.
Synonyms
View more →
aglet
aiguillette
Rhymes for aiglet
See all rhymes for aiglet →Frequently asked questions
What is an aiglet?
It is the small tip, traditionally of metal, fitted to the end of a lace or cord to stop it fraying and to help it thread through eyelets.
Is aiglet the same as aglet?
Yes, aglet is simply an alternative spelling of aiglet, and both refer to the same lace tip.
What were aiglets originally used for?
Besides tipping laces, they were once used as decorative metal tags on clothing, such as on corset lacings and doublets.
What is the meaning of aiglet?
"aiglet" (noun) means the small hard tip on the end of a shoelace that stops it fraying and lets it pass through eyelets.
