suspender

Everyday

1. (US, Canada) Suspenders are straps that go over the shoulders to hold trousers up; British people call these braces. tree →
2. (UK, Ireland, Australia) A suspender is an elastic strap that holds up a stocking or sock; suspender belts were worn by women and sock suspenders by men in the past. tree →

In the lessons

This word means different things in different countries — a famous trap. A US «suspenders» is a UK «braces». In the past, gentlemen wore sock suspenders under their trousers; in old books and photos you may see them. Usually used in the plural: «a pair of suspenders».

Examples

• Grandpa wears red suspenders to hold up his jeans. tree →
• In Britain, those straps are called braces, not suspenders. tree →
• The clown's trousers fell down when his suspenders snapped. tree →
• Old-fashioned sock suspenders kept socks from slipping. tree →
• He clipped his suspenders to his trousers. tree →
• Firefighters wear suspenders on their heavy trousers. tree →
• And he knew one thing more: he could embroider suspenders with roses and other flowers, and with arabesques, for he was a tasty, light-fingered fellow. tree →

Note

Usually plural: suspenders, «a pair of suspenders». UK braces = US suspenders. Don't confuse with suspend (to hang up, or to stop for a time) or suspense (waiting nervously).