Standard Lemma guide

labret

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈleɪbɹɪt/ in anthropology
  • /lɒˈbreɪ/ in the fashion industry, as pseudo-French

1

noun

Meaning 1

A body piercing consisting of an adornment attached to the lip.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • 2007, Margo DeMello, “Labrets”, entry in Encyclopedia of Body Adornment, page 175, A labret is a piercing that is attached below the lower lip, above the chin. Also known as the “Mao” (because it looks like the mole above Mao Zedong's chin), the jewelry used in the labret is usually a labret stud, which of a metal shaft with a simple round stud protruding from the face; it is attached inside of the lip with a flat piece of backing metal.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: Mao, tongue pillar

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Latin labrum (“lip”) + -et; modelled on anklet, bracelet, etc. Sometimes incorrectly assumed to be of French origin.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: huulikoru — lip piercing
  • Portuguese: labrete — lip piercing