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bracket

Transitive Verb[C/U] Both
pl: bracketspast: bracketedpp: bracketeding: bracketing

The word evokes a sense of containment and structural support. Whether it is a physical piece of metal holding up a shelf or a punctuation mark holding a side-thought, the core image is one of creating a secure boundary or a designated space for something specific.

Countable when referring to a physical support or a punctuation mark. Uncountable when referring to the general concept of grouping or categorization.

Meanings

Noun

A symmetrical pair of punctuation marks used to enclose text.

"Please put the date in brackets."

Noun

A sturdy L-shaped support fixed to a wall to hold a shelf.

"The heavy bookshelf is held up by steel brackets."

Noun

A category or group of people sharing a similar characteristic, often regarding income or age.

"They fall into the highest tax bracket."

Transitive Verb
[something]

To enclose a word or phrase in brackets.

"The author decided to bracket the side note."

Transitive Verb
[something]

To group people or things into specific categories.

"The study brackets the participants by age."

Last Updated: May 27, 2026Report an Error