neck

play

noun \ˈnek\

Definition of neck

1a (1) : the part of an animal that connects the head with the body (2) : the siphon of a bivalve mollusk (such as a clam)b : the part of a garment that covers or is next to the neck
2 : a relatively narrow part suggestive of a neck: such asa (1) : the constricted end of a bottle (2) : the slender proximal end of a fruitb : cervix 2c : the part of a stringed musical instrument extending from the body and supporting the fingerboard and stringsd : a narrow stretch of lande : strait 1bf : the part of a tooth between the crown and the root — see tooth illustrationg : a column of solidified magma of a volcanic pipe or laccolith
3 : a narrow margin won by a neck
4 : region, part my neck of the woods

See neck defined for English-language learners

See neck defined for kids

Examples of neck in a Sentence

She craned her neck to see what was going on.
A giraffe is an animal with a very long neck.
He broke his neck in the accident.
He likes T-shirts with round necks.
He grabbed the neck of the bottle.

Recent Examples of neck from the Web

Cradling his puppy, a Morkie named Victoria, Anthony Lepore, 40, draped a wet towel over her neck to keep her cool.

— ellie silverman, Washington Post, "Independence Day celebration in nation’s capital begins on a note of unity", 4 July 2017
With hints of the 1930s draping styles and high necks that defined the late Schiaparelli’s heyday, Guyon placed allusions to Cubism and Surrealism at the heart of the show.

— thomas adamson, The Seattle Times, "Art mixes with the aquatic for Paris Couture Week", 3 July 2017
The signature long neck has only seven vertebrae, the same as most mammals.

— sheldon s. shafer, The Courier-Journal, "Young giraffe makes a new home in Louisville", 29 June 2017
This helps create the look of a longer neck and sharper jawline.

— carly cardellino, Cosmopolitan, "5 Flawless Tips to Taking Your Best Selfie", 29 June 2017
Authorities say she was stabbed in the neck and back of the head and near her liver and a kidney.

— clifford ward, chicagotribune.com, "Indiana man pleads guilty in stabbing, sex assault of Willowbrook woman", 22 June 2017
Pack some baggies with carrots and seaweed chips and wear them around your neck.

— joyce wadler, New York Times, "Just One Corn Dog for Me. I’m Dieting.", 22 June 2017
The FBI is investigating a possible terrorist attack at Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan after a police officer was stabbed in the neck and back on Wednesday at around 9:40 a.m. local time.

— aria bendix, The Atlantic, "Officer Stabbed at Flint Airport in Possible Terrorist Attack", 21 June 2017
Officers noted the girl had scratch marks on both sides of her neck and a bump on her forehead above her right eye that was bruising.

— ruth ann krause, Post-Tribune, "Hobart woman charged with domestic battery", 20 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'neck'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of neck

Middle English nekke, from Old English hnecca; akin to Old High German hnac nape

NEW!

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

neck

verb

Definition of neck

transitive verb
1 : to kiss and caress amorously
2 : to reduce in diameter
intransitive verb
1 : to engage in amorous kissing and caressing
2 : to become constricted : narrow

See neck defined for English-language learners

Examples of neck in a Sentence

The young lovers necked on the park bench.
They were necking in the corner of the room.

Recent Examples of neck from the Web

There's a lot of rubber-necking going on because fans on both sides are into what's happening with the programs.

— john canzano, OregonLive.com, "Ducks and Beavers football programs provide summer fireworks", 19 May 2017

First Known Use of neck

1842

NECK Defined for English Language Learners

neck

play

noun

Definition of neck for English Language Learners

: the part of the body between the head and the shoulders
: the part of a piece of clothing that fits around your neck
: a long and narrow part of something : a part that is shaped like a neck

neck

verb

Definition of neck for English Language Learners

: to kiss for a long time in a sexual way

NECK Defined for Kids

neck

play

noun \ˈnek\

Definition of neck for Students

1 : the part of the body between the head and the shoulders
2 : the section of a garment covering or nearest to the part connecting the head with the body
3 : something that is long and narrow or that connects two larger parts a neck of land the neck of a bottle

necked

\ˈnekt\ adjective

neck and neck

: so nearly equal (as in a race or election) that one cannot be said to be ahead of the other

Medical Dictionary

neck

play

noun \ˈnek\

Medical Definition of neck

1a: the usually narrowed part of an animal that connects the head with the body; specifically : the cervical region of a vertebrateb: the part of a tapeworm immediately behind the scolex from which new proglottids are produced
2: a relatively narrow part suggestive of a neck: asa: a narrow part of a bone the neck of the femurb: cervix 2c: the part of a tooth between the crown and the root