ponytail

noun

po·​ny·​tail ˈpō-nē-ˌtāl How to pronounce ponytail (audio)
Synonyms of ponytailnext
: a hairstyle in which the hair is pulled together and banded usually at the back of the head so as to resemble a pony's tail
ponytailed
ˈpō-nē-ˌtāld How to pronounce ponytail (audio)
adjective

Examples of ponytail in a Sentence

She usually wears her hair pulled back in a ponytail.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Make adjustments Before turning the ponytail into a bun, hairstylist Taylor Carter recommends preparing it for volume. — Marci Robin, Allure, 21 Aug. 2026 Also onboard is a new third mate named Angie (Annabelle Wallis), a last-minute substitute with a bouncy ponytail, and my least favorite plot device, a crate of human trafficking victims. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Equally as eye-catching as her dress was her hairpiece, a wreath of white hyacinth that trailed down her elegant ponytail. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 17 Aug. 2026 The budding actress could be seen wearing an orange sweater and light blue jeans, posing with her hands behind her back and her blonde hair tied into a ponytail. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ponytail

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ponytail was in 1916

Rhymes for ponytail

See All Rhymes for ponytail

Browse Nearby Words

pony support
ponytail
pony truck
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ponytail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ponytail. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ponytail

noun
po·​ny·​tail ˈpō-nē-ˌtāl How to pronounce ponytail (audio)
: a hairstyle in which the hair is pulled together and banded usually at the back of the head so as to resemble the tail of a pony

More from Merriam-Webster on ponytail

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ponytail

Nglish: Translation of ponytail for Spanish Speakers

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