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

She told MPs that this included a “foetal skeleton posed under a glass dome, a human thigh bone turned into a cane, a human jawbone necklace and the varnished skull of a six-year-old”.

From BBC

To a blue, black and green sequined top, complete with a golden snake necklace and bracelet.

From BBC

Some experts say the age and quality of the diamonds in the necklace sold on Wednesday point to a match with the originals.

From BBC

It cited examples such as a three-piece razor set and an "elegant necklace, bracelet, and earring set" available at just under three dollars each in a press release about the launch.

From BBC

As for the jewelry, Kenneth Jay Lane custom-built two necklaces to mimic Holly’s jewels, which had to be hand-sewn by Lawson’s tailor Sarah Moore pearl by pearl to anchor it to the dress.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• choker
• jewelry
• pendant
• strand