necklace

[nek-lis]

noun

1. a piece of jewelry consisting of a string of stones, beads, jewels, or the like, or a chain of gold, silver, or other metal, for wearing around the neck.

necklace

/ ˈnɛklɪs /

noun

1. a chain, band, or cord, often bearing beads, pearls, jewels, etc, worn around the neck as an ornament, esp by women

2. (in South Africa) a tyre soaked in petrol, placed round a person's neck, and set on fire in order to burn the person to death

verb

1. (tr) to kill (someone) by placing a burning tyre round his or her neck

Word History and Origins

Origin of necklace¹

1580–90; neck + lace (in the sense “a cord or string to pull opposite ends together”)

Example Sentences

The White House press secretary is depicted corralling the president, sporting a large cross necklace, as she often does during press briefings.

From Los Angeles Times

As folk dancers put on a spectacular show, volunteers hand out giant necklaces of bread rings, a symbol of Russian hospitality.

From BBC

A passionate night is followed by a tearful goodbye, an emotional revelation, a dramatic dash to the train station, and the return of the infinity necklace that has symbolized their love since Season 1.

From Los Angeles Times

She thought perhaps she could keep them, encase them in a necklace to wear in memory.

From Salon

And for Moyer, whom she still texts today, Jones got a necklace with Harper, the name of Moyer’s character, on the front and “Sisters forever” on the back.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• choker 
• jewelry 
• pendant 
• strand