noun
bridle
BREYE-duhl
Bridle (noun) means the straps and bit fitted to a horse's head to guide and control it. Example: “She slipped the bridle over the horse's head before the ride.”
noun
1
The straps and bit fitted to a horse's head to guide and control it.
"She slipped the bridle over the horse's head before the ride."
2
Figuratively, anything that restrains or checks something.
"A bridle on public spending was needed to bring the deficit down."
verb
1
To react with anger, resentment, or indignation.
"She bridled at the suggestion that she had lied."
2
To control, restrain, or hold something in check.
"He struggled to bridle his temper during the meeting."
How to use bridle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe gear used to steer a horse, or figuratively, to hold something back — and as a verb, to bristle with indignation.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with bridal (relating to a wedding) — identical pronunciation, completely different meaning.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
bridle at a remark
bridle one's anger
horse and bridle
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Word forms
- Plural
- bridles
- Third person singular
- bridles
- Past tense
- bridled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She slipped the _____ over the horse's head before the ride.
Etymology
From Old English brīdel, an old Germanic word for a strap or rein, related to the verb "braid".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unbridle
Related words
Rhymes for bridle
See all rhymes for bridle →Frequently asked questions
What does “bridle” mean?
The word “bridle” means the straps and bit fitted to a horse's head to guide and control it. In plain terms, the gear used to steer a horse, or figuratively, to hold something back — and as a verb, to bristle with indignation.
How do you pronounce “bridle”?
“Bridle” is pronounced BREYE-duhl (/ˈbɹaɪdəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “bridle” in a sentence?
Here is “bridle” used in a sentence: “She slipped the bridle over the horse's head before the ride.”
What is another word for “bridle”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bridle” include restrain.
What part of speech is “bridle”?
Depending on how it is used, “bridle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bridle” come from?
The word “bridle” comes from Old English. From Old English brīdel, an old Germanic word for a strap or rein, related to the verb "braid".
How many meanings does “bridle” have?
“Bridle” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the straps and bit fitted to a horse's head to guide and control it.
