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

Neck and décolletage received a coating as well.

From Slate • Dec. 6, 2018

Joy ripped and handed with tremulously eager hands, while Phyllis swiftly cut away the sleeves of the green dress and slashed a décolletage, and draped the net over it and pinned on the girdle.

From The Wishing-Ring Man by Widdemer, Margaret