Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Vandyke

noun
Van·​dyke | \ van-ˈdīk, vən-\

Definition of Vandyke

1a [ from the collars depicted in portraits by Vandyke ] : a wide collar with a deeply indented edge
b : one of several V-shaped points forming a decorative edging
c : a border of such points
2 [ from the beards worn in portraits by Vandyke ] : a trim pointed beard

Illustration of Vandyke

Illustration of vandyke

Vandyke 2

Other Words from Vandyke

vandyked \ van-​ˈdīkt , vən-​ \ adjective

First Known Use of Vandyke

1754, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for Vandyke

Anthony vandyke

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Vandyke

Statistics for Vandyke

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for Vandyke

The first known use of Vandyke was in 1754

See more words from the same year

More from Merriam-Webster on Vandyke

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with Vandyke

Comments on Vandyke

What made you want to look up Vandyke? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

substantive

important, real, or meaningful

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Homophone Quiz

  • three-bears-two-of-them-look-like-theyre-whispering-to-a-third-bear-who-looks-chuffed-to-be-the-center-of-attention
  • In order to judge how people felt, the senator's office hired a firm to take a ______.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games