nape

[ neyp, nap ]

/ neɪp, næp /

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See synonyms for nape on Thesaurus.com

noun

the back of the neck (usually used in the phrase nape of the neck).

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Origin of nape

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50

Words nearby nape

napa, napa cabbage, Napaeae, napalm, Napata, nape, Naperville, napery, Naphtali, Naphtalite, naphth-

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use nape in a sentence

Shiftall, a subsidiary of Panasonic, has a bodysuit that makes you feel temperature changes via a sensor placed on the nape of the neck.
The Metaverse Ideas From CES 2022 That We’re Most Excited – and Confused – About|Andrew R. Chow|January 13, 2022|Time
This shadow follows my every move, an uncomfortable chill on the nape of my neck.
How our data encodes systematic racism|Amy Nordrum|December 10, 2020|MIT Technology Review
His black hair sweeps back from the crest of his high forehead and laps at the nape of his neck; his lips are pursed.
Meet Alexandre Desplat, Hollywood’s Master Composer|Andrew Romano|February 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
His gray hair curls at the nape, but he is as graceful as he was in 1949, his timing as immaculate.
Marty Reisman: The Magical Hustler Who Saved a Classic Game|Harold Evans|December 10, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Oref—The homefront, although literally, the back of the neck, the nape.
New Words For A New War|Gil Troy|November 19, 2012|DAILY BEAST
From there, the pain shoots out toward my temple and down to the nape of my neck.
Presidents Can Have Migraines|Dana Goldstein|July 20, 2011|DAILY BEAST
If a man has hired an ox and has crushed its foot or has cut its nape, ox for ox to the owner of the ox he shall render.
The Oldest Code of Laws in the World|Hammurabi, King of Babylon
She knew that Harney liked to see its reddish edges ruffled about her forehead and breaking into little rings at the nape.
Summer|Edith Wharton
They approached in a friendly manner, “dancing and making many signs of joy, saying in their tongue Nape tondamen assuath.”
The Indian in his Wigwam|Henry R. Schoolcraft
In this connexion, I need merely allude to the production of voluptuous sensations by tickling the nape of the neck.
The Sexual Life of the Child|Albert Moll
Ajax grabbed him by the nape of the neck and seat of his uniform, nearly ruining one of the epaulets.
Watch Yourself Go By|Al. G. Field

British Dictionary definitions for nape (1 of 2)

nape¹

/ (neɪp) /

noun

the back of the neckRelated adjective: nuchal

Word Origin for nape

C13: of unknown origin

British Dictionary definitions for nape (2 of 2)

nape²

/ (neɪp) /

verb

(tr) US military slang to attack with napalm

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012