WordGarden.ioneck
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɛk/
US
- /ˈnɛk/
Meanings
Noun
the part of the body that connects the head to the shoulders
a narrow part connecting two larger parts of something, such as a bottle or guitar
Verb
(informal)to kiss and caress intimately
Beyond the definition
The word "neck" usually means the part of the body between the head and the shoulders. It also has a few other common uses. A bottle has a narrow top called the neck, and a guitar has a long neck where the strings run. In geography, a neck can be a narrow piece of land that joins or reaches between larger areas.
The word also appears in some familiar expressions. If two people are "neck and neck," they are very close in a race or competition. If someone is "up to their neck" in work or trouble, they are deeply involved in it. Because this part of the body is delicate, phrases like "risking your neck" came to mean taking a serious risk.
The word "neck" most commonly refers to the part of the body between the head and shoulders. It allows us to turn our heads, supports the weight of the skull, and houses vital structures like the trachea and esophagus. In fashion, we highlight this area with jewelry: "She wore a beautiful necklace around her neck."
Beyond anatomy, "neck" extends to geography and mechanics. A "neck of land" is a narrow strip, such as an isthmus, that connects two larger landmasses. In music, the "neck of a guitar" is the long, slender part where the fretboard is located and where the musician presses the strings to change notes.
Figuratively, "neck" is used to describe intensity and risk. To be "up to your neck in trouble" means to be deeply submerged in a difficult situation. In the world of competition, "neck and neck" describes a race where two competitors are so evenly matched they are side-by-side. This comes from horse racing, where the winning horse's neck might be the only thing separating it from the runner-up at the finish line. Historically, the word also carried connotations of control; to "bend your neck" was a physical sign of submitting to a conqueror's authority. Whether describing a physical joint, a narrow bottle top, or a high-stakes risk, "neck" remains one of the most versatile words in the English language.
Examples
- 1
Body part
She wrapped a scarf around her neck.
- 2
Physical discomfort
He woke up with a stiff neck after sleeping on the sofa.
- 3
Medical check
The doctor checked the glands in my neck.
- 4
Clothing fit
I like this sweater, but the neck is a little too tight.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Bottle part
Hold the bottle by the neck so it does not slip.
- 6
Geography
The village sits on a narrow neck of land between two lakes.
- Phrasea neck of land
a narrow strip of land
- 7
Local area
This part of town is my old neck of the woods.
- Phraseneck of the woods
area or place
- 8
Race
The two runners were neck and neck until the last few meters.
- Phraseneck and neck
almost equal in a race or competition
- 9
Risk-taking
I know it is risky, but I will stick my neck out and support the plan.
- Phrasestick your neck out
take a risk by saying or doing something
- 10
Annoyance
He can be a real pain in the neck when he is tired.
- Phrasea pain in the neck
an annoying person or thing
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- necknounverb
Forms
- neckspluralnounverb
- neckedpast tenseverbnoun
- necking-ing formverbnoun