Bracelet - Definition and Overview

A bracelet is an article of clothing or jewelry which is worn around the wrist. Bracelets can be manufactured from cloth or metal, and sometimes contain rocks, wood, and/or shells. Bracelets are also used for medical and identification perposes, such as allergy bracelets and hospital tags.

Although the term 'armlet' may be technically similar, it is taken to mean an item that sits on the upper arm. The origin of the term 'bracelet' is from the Latin 'brachile' meaning 'of the arm', via the Old French 'barcel'.

Taken in the plural, "bracelets" is often use as slang for handcuffs.

See also

• bangle
• brace
• necklace