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Synonyms

nape

American  
[neyp, nap] / neɪp, næp /

noun

  1. the back of the neck (usually used in the phrasenape of the neck ).

nape 1 British  
/ neɪp /

noun

  1. the back of the neck

"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
nape 2 British  
/ neɪp /

verb

  1. slang:military (tr) 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

Etymology

Origin of nape

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Her long tresses are twisted in an easy crown, flowing from the crest of her forehead to the nape of her neck and signaling her noble status.

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2024

While the two bats hang upside down, the male climbs on the female’s back and grasps the nape of her neck.

From New York Times • Nov. 20, 2023

The hair at the nape of the neck, which is typically shorter, kinkier and considered more difficult to style.

From Seattle Times • May 27, 2023

There was some curved precision buzzing that made its way to the nape of my neck, as well as trimmed right angles around my ears and mini-sideburns.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2022

Uncle Carlos holds the nape of his neck and slowly releases a long, deep breath.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.