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.
The former first lady wore her braids pulled into a high ponytail, with several pieces framing her face. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Comments on Haaland's Instagram post teasing the cut are mixed, with some fans loving the update and others mourning the loss of that platinum ponytail. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 Aug. 2026 Styling her newly brunette hair in a sleek ponytail with face-framing layers, the runway star embraced a monochromatic look with a pair of black patent leather sandal heels. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 22 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 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 1 Sep. 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

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