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turtleneck

American  
[tur-tl-nek] / ˈtɜr tlˌnɛk /

noun

  1. a high, close-fitting collar, often rolled or turned down, appearing especially on pullover sweaters.

  2. a sweater with such a collar.


turtleneck British  
/ ˈtɜːtəlˌnɛk /

noun

    1. a round high close-fitting neck on a sweater or the sweater itself

    2. ( as modifier )

      a turtleneck sweater

"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 turtleneck

First recorded in 1905–10; turtle 1 + neck

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.

I dismiss texts from two friends as I watch, admiring her aquarium-blue turtleneck.

From Slate • May 10, 2026

He quickly left Memphis for Chicago after the assassination and arranged various television appearances still wearing a turtleneck allegedly stained with King’s blood.

From Salon • Feb. 17, 2026

The late fashion designer previously worked with the tech firm to create the black turtleneck jumpers famously worn by the company's co-founder Steve Jobs.

From BBC • Nov. 12, 2025

Leave it to Miss Prada and her design partner Raf Simons to inject some humor into a beloved basic like the turtleneck.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2025

He was a round-faced, fair-haired man of about thirty, in turtleneck and jeans.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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