nape

[ neyp, nap ]
See synonyms for nape on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the back of the neck (usually used in the phrase nape of the neck).

Origin of nape

1
Middle English word dating back to 1300–50

Words Nearby nape

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use nape in a sentence

  • From there, the pain shoots out toward my temple and down to the nape of my neck.

    Presidents Can Have Migraines | Dana Goldstein | July 20, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
  • If a man has hired an ox and has crushed its foot or has cut its nape, ox for ox to the owner of the ox he shall render.

    The Oldest Code of Laws in the World | Hammurabi, King of Babylon
  • She knew that Harney liked to see its reddish edges ruffled about her forehead and breaking into little rings at the nape.

    Summer | Edith Wharton
  • They approached in a friendly manner, “dancing and making many signs of joy, saying in their tongue nape tondamen assuath.”

    The Indian in his Wigwam | Henry R. Schoolcraft
  • In this connexion, I need merely allude to the production of voluptuous sensations by tickling the nape of the neck.

  • Ajax grabbed him by the nape of the neck and seat of his uniform, nearly ruining one of the epaulets.

    Watch Yourself Go By | Al. G. Field

British Dictionary definitions for nape (1 of 2)

nape1

/ (neɪp) /


noun
  1. the back of the neck: Related adjective: nuchal

Origin of nape

1
C13: of unknown origin

British Dictionary definitions for nape (2 of 2)

nape2

/ (neɪp) /


verb
  1. (tr) US military slang to attack with napalm

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012