suspender

[suh-spen-der]

noun

1. especially British, braces. Usually suspenders. adjustable straps or bands worn over the shoulders with the ends buttoned or clipped to the waistband of a pair of trousers or a skirt to support it.

2. British.,  garter.

3. a hanging cable or chain in a suspension bridge connecting the deck with the suspension cable or chain.

4. a person or thing that suspends.

suspender

/ səˈspɛndə /

noun

1. (often plural)

   1. an elastic strap attached to a belt or corset having a fastener at the end, for holding up women's stockings

   2. US and Canadian equivalent: garter. a similar fastener attached to a garter worn by men in order to support socks

2. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): braces. (plural) a pair of straps worn over the shoulders by men for holding up the trousers

3. a person or thing that suspends, such as one of the vertical cables that carries the deck in a suspension bridge

Other Word Forms

• suspenderless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suspender¹

1515–25; 1800–10, suspender for def. 1; suspend + -er ¹

Example Sentences

I wouldn’t expect the King auction to fetch similarly high prices, but you can’t measure a man by what people are willing to pay for his suspenders.

From Los Angeles Times

The character White played from 1989 to 1998 on the wholesome hit sitcom “Family Matters” defined the Black nerd for TV watchers: saddle shoes, suspenders, thick glasses, high, nasal voice.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a racy variation on a schoolboy’s shorts, with suspenders rising between the cleavage.

From Los Angeles Times

He had a shirt, trousers, socks, shoes, underwear, a necktie, and suspenders.

From Literature

A family of boys in suspenders appears; behind them are sandbags displaying paper targets with human outlines.

From New York Times

Related Words

• ally 
• defender 
• follower 
• patron 
• proponent 
• support