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noun Uncommon

braces

BRAY-sihz

Braces (noun) means a dental device of wires and brackets used to straighten teeth over time. Example: “She got braces in seventh grade and had them for two years.”

noun
1
A dental device of wires and brackets used to straighten teeth over time.
"She got braces in seventh grade and had them for two years."
2
Straps worn over the shoulders to hold up trousers; suspenders.
"He wore a smart pair of braces with his tailored suit."

How to use braces

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA dental straightening device, or straps that hold trousers up.

UK vs US

In British English, "braces" means suspenders for trousers; Americans use "suspenders" for that and reserve "braces" mainly for teeth.

Common pairings
get braces wear braces
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She got _____ in seventh grade and had them for two years.

Rhymes for braces

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Frequently asked questions

What does “braces” mean?

The word “braces” means a dental device of wires and brackets used to straighten teeth over time. In plain terms, a dental straightening device, or straps that hold trousers up.

How do you pronounce “braces”?

“Braces” is pronounced BRAY-sihz (/ˈbɹeɪsɪz/ in IPA).

How do you use “braces” in a sentence?

Here is “braces” used in a sentence: “She got braces in seventh grade and had them for two years.”

What part of speech is “braces”?

“Braces” is a noun.

Is “braces” a common word?

“Braces” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “braces” have?

“Braces” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dental device of wires and brackets used to straighten teeth over time.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial