bracket

¹brack·et

noun \ˈbra-kət\

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

Examples of BRACKET

1. The shelf is held up with two brackets.
2. There are wall brackets in the garage for the rakes and shovels.
3. She is taller than average for her age bracket.
4. He earned enough to put him in a higher tax bracket.
5. She is now in a lower income bracket than before.

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

Related Words: description, feather, ilk, kidney, like, manner, nature, sort; branch, section, speciality, specialty, subclass, subdivision, subgroup, subspecies, variety; breed, race; generation; heading, label, title

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Rhymes with BRACKET

jacket, packet, placket, racket