: the back of the neck

Examples of nape in a Sentence

Her hair was tied back at the nape of her neck.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Vanessa Traina's picture-perfect bun is pinned just above the nape of the neck, covered (and elevated) by her cascading (and custom-made) Givenchy tulle bridal veil. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024 On more than one occasion I’ve been known to create a head full of clip-ins from the nape of the neck to the crown. Jessica Fields, Essence, 19 Dec. 2024 The Princess's hair was wrapped into a low, full chignon at the nape of her neck, with the top sections criss-crossed and pinned and the rest of her hair woven together and pinned, with nary a hair out of place. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Dec. 2024 This was the era of the wedge cut, when women were enthralled by the Olympic figure-skating champion Dorothy Hamill; hair was worn short, napes exposed. Bruce Handy, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nape 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nape was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near nape

Cite this Entry

“Nape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nape. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

nape

noun
: the back of the neck

Medical Definition

nape

noun
ˈnāp also ˈnap
: the back of the neck

More from Merriam-Webster on nape

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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