nape

noun

ˈnāp ˈnap

: 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.

Nakira’s mug shot showed a young Black woman with dark hair gathered at the nape of her neck, green eyes staring intently into the camera. — Anja Aronowsky Cronberg, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2026 Be sure to check for eggs, which are often behind the ears or at the nape of the neck. — Emily J. C. Wong, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 Smooth the hair back towards your nape, then secure a ponytail with a hair tie. — Ariana Yaptangco, InStyle, 28 July 2026 This pixie cut is close at the nape of the neck and fuller in the crown with soft edges, explains Laurie Anderson Ashe, stylist and owner of Hair Colour Concepts in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. — Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 26 July 2026 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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nape. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nape

noun

ˈnāp ˈnap

: the back of the neck

Medical Definition

nape

noun

ˈnāp also ˈnap

: the back of the neck

nape

noun

Examples of nape in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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