belt

1 of 3

noun (1)

1
a
: a strip of flexible material worn especially around the waist as an item of clothing or a means of carrying something (such as tools)
b
: a similar article worn as a corset or for protection or safety or as a symbol of distinction
2
: a continuous band of tough flexible material for transmitting motion and power or conveying materials
3
a
: an area characterized by some distinctive feature (as of culture, habitation, geology, or life forms)
especially : one suited to a particular crop
the corn belt
4
belted adjective
beltless adjective

belt

2 of 3

verb

belted; belting; belts

transitive verb

1
a
: to encircle or fasten with a belt
b
: to strap on
2
a
: to beat with or as if with a belt : thrash
b
: strike, hit
3
: to mark with a band
4
: to sing in a forceful manner or style
belting out popular songs
5
: to drink quickly
belted down a shot of whisky

intransitive verb

1
: to move or act in a speedy, vigorous, or violent manner
2
: to sing loudly

belt

3 of 3

noun (2)

1
: a jarring blow : whack
2
: drink
a belt of gin
Phrases
below the belt under one's belt
: in one's possession : as part of one's experience

Examples of belt in a Sentence

Verb His bathrobe was loosely belted. He belted the ball down the fairway. Some drunk got mad and threatened to belt me.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
And at just $10, this versatile new belt bag is a no-brainer. Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2024 Everywhere Belt Bag in Coral Kiss Add a pop of color to any outfit by grabbing a hands-free belt bag in bright coral pink or paradise green, or pull inspiration from celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Oprah by adding a neutral crossbody bag to your collection. Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 Scott had been charged with murder in November after admitting to killing Valerie Tindall by strangling her with a belt during an argument in his home in June, according to a criminal homicide report from investigators. Steve Almasy, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024 According to the recall report, both the driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioner may have been incorrectly manufactured. USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024 The V-neck wrap dress features cute ruffle short sleeves, an elastic high waist with a tie belt, and a pleated hem. Rachel Simon, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2024 There are bins for your belongings that run along a conveyor belt and backscatter X-ray machines to scan your body. Matt Novak / Gizmodo, Quartz, 6 Mar. 2024 On him: Dries Van Noten brown linen, viscose, and silk coat, $2,385; Ralph Lauren Purple Label white cotton and silk henley shirt, $395; Giorgio Armani cognac linen pants, $2,095, and brown leather belt, $425; Hermès black sandals with notched sole in liquorice cotton serge and calfskin, $920. Alex Badia, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2024 For anyone not looking to drop over $100 for a belt, try this $16 Amazon version that comes in a stylish set of two. Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 1 Mar. 2024
Verb
New concealed celebrity contestants like Gumball, Goldfish, and Ugly Sweater are belting it out for the chance to win the Golden Mask trophy, following in the masked footsteps of season 10 champ Cow, who was revealed as Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ne-Yo. Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2024 Max Muncy, Oakland’s No. 8 prospect, chipped in by belting his second home run of the spring. Jon Becker, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2024 In the clip, Black and Gass strut around the red carpet, doing dance moves and jump-kicking while belting along to the D’s hard rock take on the 1998 pop smash. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2024 Michael Michael Kors polka dot Georgette belted tie-neck romper Falke Pure Matt 100 DEN tights Gucci rectangle optical frame Rag & Bone Shiloh mid boots @gwynethpaltrow A timeless white T-shirt is a must. Alexis Bennett Parker, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024 But that danger is mitigated substantially by the passenger and driver both wearing a helmet and Hans Device, as well as being belted snugly into the cockpit by a five-point harness system. Jim Clash, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The Razorbacks belted two home runs -- a solo shot by Bri Ellis and a two-run homer by Kennedy Miller. Chip Souza, arkansasonline.com, 2 Mar. 2024 To paint the picture, Rodrigo belts her heart out wearing only a bra and hot pants at one point during the concert. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 Waters belted a changeup that was left over the plate. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'belt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German balz belt; both from Latin balteus belt

Verb

Middle English belten, derivative of belt belt entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of belt was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near belt

Cite this Entry

“Belt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belt. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

belt

1 of 3 noun
1
: a strip of flexible material (as leather) worn around a person's body for holding in or supporting something (as clothing, tools, or weapons) or for ornament
2
: a flexible continuous band running around wheels or pulleys and used for moving or carrying something
a fan belt on a car
3
: a region suited to or producing something or having some special feature
the corn belt
a storm belt
belted adjective

belt

2 of 3 verb
1
: to put a belt on or around
2
: to hit hard
belt a home run
3
: to mark with a band
4
: to sing in a forceful way
belt out a song

belt

3 of 3 noun
: a jarring blow

More from Merriam-Webster on belt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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