Search Dictionary
Definition of dreadlocks

dreadlocks

/ˈdrɛdˌlɑːks/
dread · locks
Plural:dreadlocks
•
Adjective:dreadlocked
JUMP TO:

dreadlocks Lexical Profile

dreadlocks Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A hairstyle consisting of rope-like strands of hair formed by matting, braiding, or twisting, historically and culturally associated with the Rastafarian movement and various African traditions.

Example

"He spent several hours at the salon having his dreadlocks washed and retwisted."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dreadlocks

Word Nuance & Usage

Many wearers and cultural advocates prefer the term "locs" (or "locks") over "dreadlocks" to avoid the negative historical connotation of the word "dread."

• Nearby Words

dreadfulness
dreadlock
dreadlocked
dreadlocks
dreads
dream
dreamboat

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in mid-20th-century Jamaican English within the Rastafarian movement, combining "dread" (referring either to the reverent fear of God or the awe inspired in observers) and "locks" (strands of hair).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dreadlocks. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 1, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dreadlocks
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.