décolletage

American  

[dey-kol-tahzh, -kol-uh-, dek-uh-luh-, dey-kawl-tazh] / ˌdeɪ kɒlˈtɑʒ, -kɒl ə-, ˌdɛk ə lə-, deɪ kɔlˈtaʒ /

Or decolletage

noun

1. the neckline of a dress cut low in the front or back and often across the shoulders.

2. a décolleté garment or costume.

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décolletage British  

/ ˌdeɪkɒlˈtɑːʒ, dekɔltaʒ /

noun

1. a low-cut neckline or a woman's garment with a low neck

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Etymology

Origin of décolletage

1890–95; < French, equivalent to décollet ( er ) ( see décolleté + -age -age

Explanation

Décolletage is a plunging neckline on a woman's dress. Without decolletage, there would be no cleavage. This French word comes from a verb meaning “expose the neck,” and that’s exactly what décolletage does: it’s a low neckline on a woman’s dress or shirt. Décolletage is revealing, and whether that’s sexy or sleazy is in the eye of the beholder. The opposite of décolletage would be a high neckline. People who know a lot about décolletage would include clothing designers and fashion observers. You’ll find décolletage aplenty on the red carpet at any Hollywood awards show.

Example Sentences

The town of Cluses, where it begins, is known for its watchmaking, and home to the musée de l’horlogerie et du décolletage.

From The Guardian • Jul. 4, 2021

If you must wear that shoulderless sundress, carry a large scarf that you can wrap around your shoulders or cover any décolletage.

From Washington Times • Sep. 21, 2019

They were dime-sized and dainty on pale purple tights, pinned at the décolletage or knotted belt-like at the waist.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2019

When and where the fashions could not be enforced by rule of law, trends in décolletage would trickle down the social ladder, then get disavowed or criticized by those in power.

From Slate • Jan. 9, 2013

She is beautiful at night because a certain balance, dignity and grace are lent her by the décolletage and train of a dinner or ball gown.

From Woman as Decoration by Burbank, Emily