brackets
|brack-ets|
/ˈbrækɪt/
(bracket)
support / enclose / group
Etymology
'bracket' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'braket', which is probably a diminutive form influenced by Old French; it referred to a small projecting support.
'bracket' changed from Middle English 'braket' and later became the modern English word 'bracket'; over time the sense extended from a physical support to punctuation marks and categories.
Initially it meant 'a small projecting support' (physical brace), but over time it evolved into additional meanings such as 'punctuation marks used to enclose text' and 'a classification/category'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
either of a pair of punctuation marks (usually [ ] or { }) used to enclose information — often called 'brackets' in British English.
Put the citation in brackets.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a projecting support fixed to a wall or other surface, used to carry weight (e.g., a shelf bracket).
Attach the shelves to the wall with brackets.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a category or range used for classification, especially of income, age, or other measures (e.g., income brackets).
Many families fall into the lower income brackets.
Synonyms
Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'bracket': to enclose in brackets or to add brackets around text.
She brackets the optional clause in the document.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/08/24 17:51