ponytail
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of ponytail
Explanation
A ponytail is a hairstyle. To make a ponytail, gather your hair at the back or side of your head and secure it with a band so that it hangs down. The ponytail was named for its resemblance to the long tail of a horse or pony. While a classic ponytail might be defined as long hair banded at the back of the head, there are many variations. There are short, stubby ponytails; side ponytails; high and low ponytails; and double ponytails, sometimes called "pigtails." This hairstyle, once mainly worn by children, became very popular in the 1950s thanks to the introduction of the Barbie doll and her iconic ponytail.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Argentina defender had briefly grasped the ponytail of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and was shown a red card after referee Paul Tierney was sent to the screen.
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026
With the animation of her ponytail helping to complete the flashing dynamics of her often-prancing moves, Ms. Nadon gained even more flair when joined by Mr. Tomash—who matched her verve, accentuation for accentuation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026
Former classmates remember her as wearing Juicy Couture tracksuits over a white top, poker-straight hair tied up in a ponytail.
From Slate • Dec. 18, 2025
“This can’t be happening,” I wail, my hands shaking as I feel the unprecedented thinness of my ponytail.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025
I’m too aware of how frizzy my ponytail might get and how much skin my tank top shows.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
