décolleté

or de·colle·te

[ dey-kol-tey, -kol-uh-, dek-uh-luh-; French dey-kawl-tey ]

adjective

1. (of a garment) low-necked.
2. wearing a low-necked garment.

décolleté

/ dekɔlte; deɪˈkɒlteɪ /

adjective

1. (of a woman's garment) low-cut
2. wearing a low-cut garment

noun

1. a low-cut neckline

Word History and Origins

Origin of décolleté¹

1825–35; < French: past participle of décolleter to bare the neck, equivalent to dé- de- + collet collar ( -et ) + -er infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of décolleté¹

C19: from French décolleter to cut out the neck (of a dress), from collet collar

Example Sentences

The typical habit for a nun was a, “long-sleeved tunic, reaching the floor and no décolleté, showing,” Campagnol says.

From The Daily Beast

The housekeeper, Mildred Baena, was no décolleté Mary Poppins, but an aging mother of four.

From The Daily Beast

Streep/Thatcher is being fitted in a gown of almost daring décolleté.

From The Daily Beast

Emeralds are supposed to smooth and correct discoloration, and sapphires help to firm the décolleté.

From The Daily Beast

Young children should never be dressed décolleté—in low necks and short sleeves.

From Project Gutenberg

The idea of her traipsing along the sands in a décolleté ball-dress struck her as ludicrously incongruous.

From Project Gutenberg

No one ever thought of wearing a jewel or a décolleté gown to a dinner or a dance.

From Project Gutenberg

Pale lavender, pale blue, and pale pink, and all quite sophisticatedly décolleté.

From Project Gutenberg

Yvonne Mario in white décolleté blouse and simple blue skirt, made a very charming picture indeed.

From Project Gutenberg