neckline

American

[nek-lahyn] / ˈnɛkˌlaɪn /

noun

the opening at the neck of a garment, especially of a woman's garment, with reference to its shape or its position on the body.

a V-neckline; a high neckline.

neckline British

/ ˈnɛkˌlaɪn /

noun

the shape or position of the upper edge of a dress, blouse, etc

a plunging neckline

"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 neckline

First recorded in 1900–05; neck + line ¹

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.

The bustles underpin the distinctive chemise à la reine that was popularized by fashion icon Marie Antoinette, with its cloud of white ruffles around a low neckline, sashed at the waist.

From Slate • Jul. 21, 2025

Their soon-to-be stepmother, Agathe wrote, “wore a dark blue summer dress with an unusual neckline, and a leather hat. In one hand she held a briefcase, and in the other hand, a guitar.”

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2025

Lily Collins wore a dramatic black column gown with a floral neckline and puff sleeves.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2024

Meghann Fahy’s red look came with rosettes skimming her strapless neckline.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2024

Mami held a yellow blouse with a ruffled collar against her bosom, patted the neckline into shape, and stretched it across her shoulders to check the fit.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

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