nape

[ neyp, nap ]

noun

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

nape

¹

/ neɪp /

noun

1. the back of the neck nuchal

nape

²

/ neɪp /

verb

1. slang:military.
   tr to attack with napalm

Word History and Origins

Origin of nape¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50

Word History and Origins

Origin of nape¹

C13: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Shiftall, a subsidiary of Panasonic, has a bodysuit that makes you feel temperature changes via a sensor placed on the nape of the neck.

From Time

This shadow follows my every move, an uncomfortable chill on the nape of my neck.

From 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.

From The Daily Beast

His gray hair curls at the nape, but he is as graceful as he was in 1949, his timing as immaculate.

From The Daily Beast

Oref—The homefront, although literally, the back of the neck, the nape.

From The Daily Beast

From there, the pain shoots out toward my temple and down to the nape of my neck.

From The 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.

From Project Gutenberg

She knew that Harney liked to see its reddish edges ruffled about her forehead and breaking into little rings at the nape.

From Project Gutenberg

They approached in a friendly manner, “dancing and making many signs of joy, saying in their tongue Nape tondamen assuath.”

From Project Gutenberg

In this connexion, I need merely allude to the production of voluptuous sensations by tickling the nape of the neck.

From Project Gutenberg

Ajax grabbed him by the nape of the neck and seat of his uniform, nearly ruining one of the epaulets.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• collar