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¹belt

noun \ˈbelt\

Definition of BELT

a : a strip of flexible material worn especially around the waist as an item of clothing or a means of carrying something (as tools)

b : a similar article worn as a corset or for protection or safety or as a symbol of distinction

: a continuous band of tough flexible material for transmitting motion and power or conveying materials

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>

b : asteroid belt

: beltway 1

— belt·ed \ˈbel-təd\ adjective

— belt·less \ˈbelt-ləs\ adjective

— below the belt

: unfair, unfairly

— under one's belt

: in one's possession : as part of one's experience

Origin of BELT

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with BELT

celt, Celt, delt, felt, gelt, melt, pelt, smelt, spelt, svelte, veld, welt

²belt

verb

: to fasten (something) with a belt

: to hit (someone or something) hard

: to sing (a song) in a loud and forceful way

Full Definition of BELT

transitive verb

a : to encircle or fasten with a belt

b : to strap on

a : to beat with or as if with a belt : thrash

b : strike, hit

: to mark with a band

: to sing in a forceful manner or style <belting out popular songs>

: to drink quickly <belted down a shot of whisky>

intransitive verb

: to move or act in a speedy, vigorous, or violent manner

: to sing loudly

See belt defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of BELT

14th century

Related to BELT

Synonyms: bang, bash, bat, hit, biff, bludgeon, bob, bonk, bop, box, bust, clap, clip, clobber, clock, clout, crack, hammer, knock, nail, paste, pound, punch, rap, slam, slap, slog, slug, smack, smite, sock, strike, swat, swipe, tag, thump, thwack, wallop, whack, whale, zap

Antonyms: ungird, unwrap

³belt

noun

Definition of BELT

: a jarring blow : whack

: drink <a belt of gin>

First Known Use of BELT

1899

BELT Defined for Kids

¹belt

noun \ˈbelt\

Definition of BELT for Kids

: a strip of flexible material (as leather or cloth) worn around a person's body for holding in or supporting something (as clothing or weapons) or for ornament

: a flexible endless band running around wheels or pulleys and used for moving or carrying something <a fan belt on a car>

: a region suited to or producing something or having some special feature <the corn belt> <a storm belt>

— belt·ed \ˈbel-təd\ adjective <a belted robe>