turtleneck

[ tur-tl-nek ]

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

/ ˈtɜːtəlˌnɛk /

noun

1. 1. a round high close-fitting neck on a sweater or the sweater itself
   2. ( as modifier )

      a turtleneck sweater

Word History and Origins

Origin of turtleneck¹

First recorded in 1905–10; turtle ¹ + neck

Example Sentences

“I don’t think I’ve had as busy a year in North America for a very, very long time,” she says in a recent interview, poised and quietly glamorous in an elegant gray turtleneck sweater.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s turtlenecks and quality sweaters, buying decorative gourds for an evening dinner party and coupling up for cuffing season, if not longer term.

From Los Angeles Times

Denise has this moment where she talks about purchasing a dress for Nicole's wake and funeral and having to ensure that it had a turtleneck because of how badly her neck had been cut.

From Salon

This year’s three spellers from Ghana showed up in a uniform — black turtlenecks, white pants, shoes adorned with the Ghanian flag.

From Seattle Times

It’s like he went to the beach wearing a turtleneck.

From Literature

Related Words

• blouse
• jersey
• pullover
• tunic