Skip to main content
turtleneck

turtleneck

40 2.9
A sweater with a high folded collar that covers the neck
  • noun
  • /ˈtɜrtəlˌnɛk/
translation icon : suéter de cuello alto
  • She wore a cozy turtleneck sweater to keep warm in the chilly weather.
  • a turtleneck sweater

I'm wearing this absolutely gorgeous pale pink cashmere turtleneck from Karen Millen.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • This is a turtleneck tank top in the color stone.

  • I lost weight and became my usual skinny self, although I wore black turtleneck sweaters and white lipstick.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Come on, put your turtleneck on too.

  • By the way, very attractive turtleneck today.

  • I figured I could always get another one, and she gave me a black turtleneck sweater.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Next I got this off white turtleneck with pleated lines down it.

  • Frank had on a turtleneck and a blazer, and the book was in his lap.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • As an English major, she had written poetry and worn mock turtleneck sweaters.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • And I'm rocking this nice turtleneck and slippers and it's a good luck.

  • This camel dress again, the material, this extremely soft turtleneck sleeveless little mini dress.

Synonyms

mock turtleneck
vsturtleneck
  • US
3 4.3

A sweater or top with a short tight collar that stands up and does not fold over

is the longer folded collar that covers most of the neck
polo-neck
vsturtleneck
  • UK
4.3

A sweater with a high collar that folds over

is a high close collar turned over to cover most of the neck
mock polo neck
vsturtleneck
  • UK
6.3

A short, close-fitting collar that stands up but does not fold over

is a longer turned over collar that folds and covers most of the neck

Compounds

3 4.3

A sweater or top with a short tight collar that stands up and does not fold over

A high collar that stands up and is sewn to the top edge of the shirt

A high close collar that covers most of the neck on a sweater or shirt

How High

turtleneck
40 2.9
mock turtleneck
  • US
3 4.3
crew neck
1 2.1

Surface Forms

turtleneck singular
turtlenecks plural

Morphology

turtleneck = turtle + neck (semi-transparent) = turtle + neck

Formed by the clear words 'turtle' + 'neck', but the garment meaning (a high collar resembling a turtle's neck) is metaphorical and may not be fully predictable for learners.

Etymology

The word turtleneck comes from the animal turtle and the word neck. The high, close collar looks like a turtle's neck when it is 'pulled into its shell', so a turtleneck covers and keeps the neck warm.