First Known Use: 1580
Dictionary
1bracket
noun brack·et \ˈbra-kət\
: an object that is attached to a wall and used to support or hold up something (such as a shelf)
: a category that includes a certain range of incomes, ages, etc.
: either one of a pair of marks [ ] or 〈 〉 used to enclose words or mathematical symbols
Full Definition of BRACKET
1
: an overhanging member that projects from a structure (as a wall) and is usually designed to support a vertical load or to strengthen an angle
2
: a fixture (as for holding a lamp) projecting from a wall or column
3
a : one of a pair of marks [ ] used in writing and printing to enclose matter or in mathematics and logic as signs of aggregation —called also square bracket b : one of the pair of marks < > used to enclose matter —called also angle bracket c : parenthesis 3 d : brace 5b
4
: a section of a continuously numbered or graded series (as age ranges or income levels)
5
: a pairing of opponents in an elimination tournament
See bracket defined for English-language learners
See bracket defined for kids
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Origin of BRACKET
perhaps from Middle French braguette codpiece, from diminutive of brague breeches, from Old Occitan braga, from Latin braca, of Celtic origin — more at breech
Related to BRACKET
2bracket
verb
: to place (words, symbols, etc.) within brackets
: to be located at each side of (something)
: to put (two or more people or things) into the same category, group, etc.
Full Definition of BRACKET
transitive verb
1
a : to place within or as if within brackets <editorial comments are bracketed> <news stories bracketed by commercials> b : to eliminate from consideration <bracket off politics> c : to extend around so as to encompass : include <test pressures … which bracket virtually the entire range of passenger-car tire pressures — Consumer Reports>
2
: to furnish or fasten with brackets
3
: to put in the same category or group <bracketed in a tie for third>
4
a : to get the range on (a target) by firing over and short b : to establish the limits of <bracketed the problem neatly> c : to take photographs of at more than one exposure in order to ensure that the desired exposure is obtained
See bracket defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BRACKET
circa 1847
BRACKET Defined for Kids
1bracket
noun brack·et \ˈbra-kət\
Definition of BRACKET for Kids
1
: a support for a weight (as a shelf) that is usually attached to a wall
2
: one of a pair of marks [ ] (square brackets) used to enclose letters or numbers or in mathematics to enclose items to be treated together
3
: one of a pair of marks < > (angle brackets) used to enclose letters or numbers
2bracket
verb
brack·et·edbrack·et·ing
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