What Is the Female Part of a Seat Belt Called?

The female part of a seat belt is called the buckle—often referred to as the buckle receiver or buckle receptacle. It’s the fixed component with the red release button that the metal latch plate (the “male” part, also called the tongue) clicks into, securing the restraint.

Standard Terms You’ll See in Manuals and Parts Catalogs

Automakers and repair manuals use a few consistent terms for the components that make up a typical three-point seat belt. Here’s how the naming breaks down across most brands and service documentation.

• Buckle (female): The anchored piece with the release button; also called the buckle receiver or buckle receptacle.
• Buckle stalk: The short, semi-rigid strap that positions the buckle at seat level; sometimes sold as an integrated “buckle assembly.”
• Latch plate or tongue (male): The metal piece attached to the webbing that clicks into the buckle.
• Retractor: The spool mechanism that manages belt slack, usually mounted to the vehicle structure.

While “buckle” is the most widely used and technically correct term for the female end, manufacturers may add descriptors like “receiver,” “receptacle,” or “assembly” depending on whether the stalk and sensors are included.

How the Buckle Works—and Why It Matters

The buckle houses a locking mechanism that engages the latch plate with an audible click, securing the belt. Pressing the release button disengages the lock. In a crash, the buckle’s strength and integrity are critical, as it must keep the latch plate engaged under extreme loads so the restraint system can properly manage occupant motion.

Modern Features: Pretensioners and Sensors

In many newer vehicles, the buckle—or its stalk—may incorporate a pyrotechnic or mechanical pretensioner that tightens the belt at the onset of a crash, improving occupant positioning for airbags. Buckles often include a seat-belt-use sensor, which triggers reminder chimes and warning lights and can inform advanced airbag and restraint logic.

Finding the Right Part Name When Ordering or Repairing

Parts catalogs and service manuals typically list the female end under “seat belt buckle,” “buckle assembly,” or “buckle receiver.” If you’re ordering a replacement, reference your vehicle’s VIN to match trim, seat position (driver/passenger, front/rear), and features (e.g., pretensioner, wiring for sensors). The male component you pair with it is the “latch plate” or “tongue.”

Practical Tips for Replacement or Inspection

Before purchasing or servicing a buckle, it’s useful to review a few key considerations to ensure proper fit, safety, and compliance.

• Compatibility: Match the buckle to the specific seat location and model year; connectors and lengths differ.
• Integrated components: Check for built-in pretensioners or sensors and ensure connector plugs match.
• Post-crash replacement: If airbags deployed or a pretensioner fired, replace the affected buckle/assembly per manufacturer guidance.
• Function check: Confirm positive “click,” smooth release, and no sticking, damage, or excessive play.
• Regulatory compliance: Use OEM or certified parts meeting applicable safety standards.

Following these steps helps maintain the restraint system’s designed performance and ensures warning systems continue to operate correctly.

Summary

The female part of a seat belt is the buckle—also known as the buckle receiver or receptacle—while the male part is the latch plate (or tongue). The buckle may be part of a larger “buckle assembly” on a stalk and can include sensors and pretensioners in modern vehicles. When referencing, ordering, or servicing this component, use the term “seat belt buckle” and verify compatibility with your vehicle’s specific configuration.

What are the parts of a belt called?

A belt typically consists of two parts, a buckle and a strap (the belt). The belt buckle itself also has a simple but important anatomy. At the front, you have the part that shows off the design, like a brand, figure or pattern, this is called the face.

What is the female part of the seat belt called?

buckle
Most seat belts that are in passenger cars have two sections: the tongue (male) side and the buckle (female) side.

What do you call the parts of a seat belt?

A standard seatbelt system is comprised of four major components: The retractor mechanism. The buckle assembly. The webbing material. And the pretensioner device.

What is the seatbelt buckle thing called?

The part of the seat belt that receives the metal tongue is called the buckle, or sometimes the buckle receiver or bracket. The metal part that you plug into the buckle is called the tongue, latchplate, or retractor.
 
Breakdown of the parts

• Buckle (Female End): This is the fixed part, usually on a short stalk, that you push the tongue into to secure the seat belt. It also has the release button. 
• Tongue (Male End): This is the metal piece attached to the webbing that you insert into the buckle to lock the seat belt. 
• Retractor: This mechanism provides tension and allows the seat belt to be pulled out and retracted. The tongue is the part of the retractor that goes into the buckle. 
• Latchplate: This is an alternative name for the tongue, the metal male end of the seat belt. 
• Stalk: This term refers to the part that the buckle is attached to, the part that extends from the seat.