nape

noun

ˈnāp  ˈnap 

: the back of the neck

Examples of nape in a Sentence

Her hair was tied back at the nape of her neck.

Recent Examples on the Web

Smooth the hair back towards your nape, then secure a ponytail with a hair tie. — Ariana Yaptangco, InStyle, 28 July 2026

This pixie cut is close at the nape of the neck and fuller in the crown with soft edges, explains Laurie Anderson Ashe, stylist and owner of Hair Colour Concepts in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. — Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 26 July 2026

While the princess has worn ponytails plenty of times over the years, they're almost always gathered at the nape or midway up the back of her head. — Marci Robin, Allure, 2 July 2026

In practice, the temperature change of the nape of your neck is said to have a disproportionately good effect in cooling you down all over. — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nape

noun

ˈnāp  ˈnap 

: the back of the neck

Medical Definition

nape

noun

ˈnāp also ˈnap

: the back of the neck