Plaster vs. Band-Aid
British English uses “plaster” for a small adhesive dressing; Cambridge gives US trademark “Band-Aid” for that sense. “Plaster” also has other meanings, and “Band-Aid” is a brand name rather than the generic category.
For a small adhesive dressing, British “plaster” corresponds to US “Band-Aid”; generic “adhesive bandage” avoids the regional/trademark distinction.
Key details
Further guidance
Core difference
In British English, “plaster” can mean a small adhesive dressing. In US English, “Band-Aid” is widely used for that item, but it is a trademark name.
Fast Test
For neutral generic wording, “adhesive bandage/dressing” avoids regional and trademark issues.
Usage Boundary
“Plaster” also has unrelated wall-covering and cast senses, so context is essential.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- plaster — Cambridge English Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Direct Cambridge dictionary evidence for “be plastered with” when a surface or object is completely or thickly covered with something.