leatherneck

[ leth-er-nek ]

noun

, Slang.

1. a U.S. marine.

leatherneck

/ ˈlɛðəˌnɛk /

noun

1. slang.
   a member of the US Marine Corps

Word History and Origins

Origin of leatherneck¹

First recorded in 1910–15; from the leather-lined collar which was formerly part of the uniform

Word History and Origins

Origin of leatherneck¹

from the custom of facing the neckband of their uniform with leather

Example Sentences

His wife had been what is called a “civilian leatherneck,” and worked in a secretarial pool for the U.S.

From Washington Post

Closing the crucible that has produced leathernecks for all the major wars of the last century would cost 6,130 jobs at Parris Island.

From Fox News

“We’ll have a little man-to-man talk while the leathernecks get some sack time.”

From Literature

The first was that I was now a real leatherneck.

From Literature

The day before the attack, some leathernecks had spotted the two Kuwaitis who they believed killed Sledd and wounded a second Marine.

From Time