neck and neck

adverb or adjective

: very close (as in a race)

Examples of neck and neck in a Sentence

a neck and neck finish in which only a fraction of a second separated the winner from the runner-up
Recent Examples on the Web The candidates remain neck and neck in national polling. Nick Robertson, The Hill, 9 July 2024 The debate, hosted by CNN, comes as recent polls show the candidates neck and neck, and as voters express concern about the age and mental competency of both men. Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 27 June 2024 The two are neck and neck in an NPR/PBS News Hour/Marist national poll released Thursday. Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 30 May 2024 The two candidates are neck and neck in latest presidential polling. Faith E. Pinho, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for neck and neck 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neck and neck.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neck and neck was in 1672

Dictionary Entries Near neck and neck

Cite this Entry

“Neck and neck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neck%20and%20neck. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

neck and neck

adverb or adjective
: very close (as in a race)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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