belt
noun (countable)
UK/belt/US/belt/
A strip of leather, cloth, or other material worn around the waist or over the shoulder to support clothing, carry tools, or for decorative purposes; it can also refer to a region characterized by certain features (e.g., a 'rust belt') or a continuous loop in a machine used to transmit motion or power.
Example Sentences
He wore a thick leather belt with a heavy buckle, adding both style and functionality to his outfit.
Many refer to this farmland region as the 'grain belt' due to its abundant harvest each autumn.
The conveyor belt in the factory carried finished products from one station to the next.
After the engine started making a strange noise, the mechanic checked the fan belt and discovered it was about to snap.
She chose a narrow belt in a matching shade to cinch her loose dress at the waist for a more tailored look.
Known for its longstanding history of manufacturing, the area has been called the 'industrial belt' for decades, reflecting the numerous factories once thriving there.
In older car models, seat belts were less comfortable and didn’t have modern safety features, so improvements over time have greatly enhanced passenger protection.
Workers rely heavily on the automated sorting belt to manage countless items quickly and safely, ensuring packages stay on schedule for shipping and delivery.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/belt/US/belt/
To fasten or secure with a belt; to hit or strike forcefully; colloquially, to sing or speak loudly and energetically; or to move rapidly.
Example Sentences
He carefully belted the sword at his waist, adjusting it so it wouldn’t interfere with his stride.
She belted out her favorite tune during karaoke night, impressing everyone with her powerful voice.
The boxer tried to belt his opponent with a quick right hook, aiming for a knockout punch.
Make sure to belt your coat securely if it’s windy outside, so it doesn’t flap open in the breeze.
When the final bell rang, the students belted down the hallway to reach the buses, laughing and shouting with excitement.
He told jokes so loudly that it sounded like he was belting every punchline to keep the party’s energy high.
Realizing they were running late, they belted along the sidewalk to reach the restaurant on time, weaving deftly through the evening crowd as their footsteps echoed on the pavement.
The pilot instructed passengers to belt themselves in tightly as the plane encountered turbulence, ensuring everyone’s safety and comfort during the bumpy flight.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A strip of material for fastening around the waist or for carrying/transmitting force.“Belt” most commonly refers to a strip of leather, fabric, or other material worn around the waist to secure clothing or carry items. You might say, “I need a belt to keep my pants from slipping.” In a broader mechanical sense, a belt can be a loop connecting pulleys or gears to transmit power—like a fan belt in an engine. When you fasten a belt, you often thread it through loops on a garment, then buckle or clasp it to the desired tightness. In fashion, belts serve both functional and decorative roles, accentuating an outfit or providing a statement piece. In conversations about safety, you might discuss a “seat belt,” emphasizing its protective function in vehicles. Verbally, “to belt something” can mean to fasten it with a belt—e.g., “He belted his coat shut against the cold.” Figuratively, “to belt out a song” describes singing loudly and forcefully. Always match your usage to context—securing clothes, transferring motion in machinery, or figuratively highlighting an action like singing or hitting hard (e.g., “He belted the ball out of the park”).
Alternatives
For synonyms or related terms, consider “strap,” “band,” or “girdle” if you’re describing something worn around the waist. In mechanics, “drive belt” or “conveyor belt” specifies function. “Sash” might suit a decorative cloth strip, though it often lacks a buckle. If you mean figurative usage, “lash” can emphasize striking with force (“He lashed the ball”), while “secure” might replace “belt” if you’re describing fastening. “Buckle up” is a related phrase especially for seat belts or metaphorically meaning “get ready.” Choose a term that reflects the exact function: “strap” or “band” is broader, “belt” is the standard for waist fastening or mechanical loops, and “sash” leans more ornate. Meanwhile, “conveyor belt” or “drive belt” is essential for mechanical or industrial contexts.
Writing
When writing about “belt,” consider the object’s specific role—fashion accessory, mechanical component, or figure of speech. In descriptive prose, you might depict a leather belt’s worn texture or the buckle’s gleam to set a scene or suggest a character’s style. If you’re outlining instructions—like how to replace a car’s serpentine belt—be precise about steps and safety checks. In fashion commentary, highlight the belt’s shape, color, or material to show how it complements an outfit or defines a waistline. You could also describe emotional resonance: “He tightened his belt, bracing for harder financial times,” using the belt as a metaphor for austerity. If you need a dramatic flair, mention someone “belting out a tune,” painting a vivid image of powerful, resonant singing. Each approach tailors “belt” to either a utilitarian function—holding clothes up or transferring mechanical power—or a more figurative or metaphorical significance in a narrative or expository piece. Grounding the belt in details—buckle type, color, context—adds clarity and immerses readers in your subject.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “belt” crops up when talking about clothing or quick metaphors. You might say, “Don’t forget to wear a belt with those jeans,” or “I belted my coat because it was windy.” If someone is singing loudly, a friend might comment, “Wow, she’s really belting that song!” or if talking about travel, “Always wear your seat belt in the car.” Casual chats around mechanical issues can involve phrases like, “My car’s fan belt just snapped,” pointing out a common auto repair snag. “Belt” is also part of playful idioms, like “under one’s belt,” indicating an accomplishment or experience (“He has three marathons under his belt now”). Because it’s so common in clothing, daily tasks, and metaphors, “belt” is an easy fit in casual speech—just specify whether you mean a literal waist belt, mechanical belt, or an idiomatic usage so listeners grasp the context. It’s short, direct, and widely understood, making it simple for referencing everyday essentials or figurative expressions of security, readiness, and even powerful performance.
Etymology
The word “belt” traces back to Old English “belt” and “bælt,” which themselves come from Proto-Germanic roots referencing a girdle or strap. Historically, belts served the dual purposes of holding garments together and carrying small items or tools, reflecting practicality in ancient societies. Over time, belt-making advanced with materials like leather, textiles, and even metals for more ornate buckles, evolving into both a functional necessity and a fashion detail. In mechanical contexts, the notion of a “belt” stems from the idea of a continuous loop—akin to a strip that encloses or binds. The figurative uses—like “to belt out a tune” or “to belt someone”—arrived later, connecting the image of striking forcefully (as if with a belt) or letting one’s voice loose with power. Though simple in design, belts have played symbolic roles (e.g., signifying status or rank), bridging practical garment fastening, mechanical power transmission, and evocative language. Thus, “belt” stands as a versatile term across garments, machinery, and cultural idioms.
