: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The no-hair-out-of-place center part pulls back into a pretty knot that ends with an everyday vibe thanks to her ends left loose at the nape of her neck. Marci Robin, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026 Before Trucks brought out Tiger onstage, he was spotted at the auction on that rainy Thursday afternoon (six feet tall with a long blonde ponytail at the nape of his neck, the 46-year-old guitar prodigy is hard to miss). Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2026 The nape bob As the name suggests, the nape bob hits the nape of your neck from the back and your ear lobes from the front. Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026 Another idea for a wedding day chignon is to create volume and depth at the nape of your neck. Shelby Wax, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nape

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nape was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nape. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

nape

noun
: the back of the neck

Medical Definition

nape

noun
ˈnāp also ˈnap
: the back of the neck

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