watch strap

IPA/ˈwɒtʃ stræp/
IPA/ˈwɑːtʃ stræp/

watch strap — noun

1. A strip of leather, metal, or other material that goes around your wrist to keep

1.nounB1
Definition

A strip of leather, metal, or other material that goes around your wrist to keep a watch in place.

Example

Gabriel replaced the worn leather watch strap with a metal one.

collocation: replace + watch strap

Putri's watch strap broke at the clasp while she was gardening.

Common collocations
  • leather watch strap
  • metal watch strap
  • watch strap broke
  • adjust a watch strap
  • replace a watch strap
  • fasten a watch strap
  • watch strap clasp
Synonyms
  • watch band

    the standard term in American English; watch strap is more common in British English

  • wristband

    a broader term that can also refer to fabric bands worn for sweat or identification

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Watch strap (common in British English) and watch band (the American equivalent) both refer to the strip that holds a wristwatch to your wrist. Wristband is a broader term that covers any band worn around the wrist — it can be a sweatband, a festival ID band, or a fitness tracker band — but is less precise for a watch. Strap alone (without watch) is too general; it can refer to a bag strap, a shoulder strap, or a sandal strap. If you want to be clear that you mean the piece attached to the watch, use watch strap or watch band. For example: 'The leather watch strap needs replacing after two years of daily use.' vs 'She wore a bright orange wristband for the charity run.'

watch bandwristband ↗strap ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishModern English

Watch strap is a compound noun formed from 'watch' (a timepiece worn on the wrist) and 'strap' (a narrow strip of material for fastening). 'Watch' traces back to Old English 'wæcce' meaning 'state of being awake or alert', which shifted over centuries to refer to a timekeeping device — originally a pocket watch, and later a wristwatch. 'Strap' comes from Old English 'stropp', meaning a band or thong. The compound 'watch strap' came into common use in the early 20th century as wristwatches grew popular among soldiers and the general public.