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

: 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

: a fixture (as for holding a lamp) projecting from a wall or column

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

: a section of a continuously numbered or graded series (as age ranges or income levels)

: a pairing of opponents in an elimination tournament

See bracket defined for English-language learners

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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

First Known Use: 1580

Related to BRACKET

Synonyms: class, category, classification, division, family, genus, grade, group, kind, league, order, rank(s), rubric, set, species, tier, type

Rhymes with BRACKET

jacket, packet, placket, racket

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

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>

: to furnish or fasten with brackets

: to put in the same category or group <bracketed in a tie for third>

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