wristband
wristband — noun
- wristbandsingular
- wristbandsplural
1. a band attached to a watch and fastened around the wrist to keep the watch in pl
a band attached to a watch and fastened around the wrist to keep the watch in place.
Aaron replaced the cracked wristband on his old diving watch.
replace the wristband on + watch
The jeweler shortened Mira's steel wristband before she left the shop.
shorten a steel wristband
Salt water turned Joao's leather wristband stiff after the sailing trip.
Kevin bought a softer wristband because the old watch pinched him.
- replace a wristband
- leather wristband
- steel wristband
- tight wristband
- watch strap
the most direct everyday term, especially for a watch part
- watchband
common American spelling for the same object
Grammar Patterns
replace the wristband on + watch
tighten/shorten + a wristband
leather/steel wristband
Usage Note
This sense is mainly used for the part fixed to a watch, especially when it is replaced, adjusted, or chosen for comfort. Distinguish from sense 3, which is a separate band worn on the wrist by itself.
2. a band worn around the wrist to show support for a cause, group, or public event
a band worn around the wrist to show support for a cause, group, or public event.
Ayana wore a yellow wristband to support the cancer charity walk.
wear a wristband to support + cause
Every volunteer received a green wristband at the river cleanup event.
receive a wristband at + event
The students sold red wristbands to raise money for new library books.
Emre kept his wristband on all week after the climate march.
- yellow wristband
- charity wristband
- wear a wristband
- sell wristbands
- awareness band
especially used to show support for a health or social cause
- support bracelet
a looser term that can sound more decorative than wristband
Grammar Patterns
wear a wristband to support + cause/team
sell/give out + wristbands
colored wristband
Usage Note
These bands are often colored silicone or fabric and are linked to a campaign, charity, or event. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense is about showing support or participation, not mainly sport use or fashion.
Common Mistakes
3. a band worn on the wrist for sport or style, especially to catch sweat or add de
a band worn on the wrist for sport or style, especially to catch sweat or add decoration.
Hari pulled on a cotton wristband before the tennis lesson started.
pull on a cotton wristband
Elise matched her silver wristband with the rings on her right hand.
match a wristband with jewelry
Rin's wristband soaked up sweat during the last game of badminton.
wristband soaked up sweat
Stephanie collects bright wristbands from summer music festivals and beach fairs.
- cotton wristband
- silver wristband
- sports wristband
- bright wristband
Grammar Patterns
wear a wristband on + wrist
cotton/silver wristband
wristband for sport/style
Usage Note
This sense usually describes a band worn on its own for exercise, comfort, or decoration. Distinguish from sense 2, where the band mainly signals support for a cause, group, or event.
Common Mistakes
Common collocations
Nouns
- leather wristband
- steel wristband
- charity wristband
- cotton wristband
Phrases
- wear a wristband
- take off a wristband
- replace a wristband
- keep a wristband on
Etymology
Built in English from wrist and band, literally meaning a band worn on the wrist. The compound came to cover watch straps, support bands, and sport or fashion bands worn around this part of the body.
First known use
1571
1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1