turtleneck

noun

tur·​tle·​neck ˈtər-tᵊl-ˌnek How to pronounce turtleneck (audio)
1
: a high close-fitting turnover collar used especially for sweaters
2
: a garment (such as a sweater) with a turtleneck
turtlenecked
ˈtər-tᵊl-ˌnekt How to pronounce turtleneck (audio)
adjective

Examples of turtleneck in a Sentence

She wore a turtleneck under her jacket.
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.
This oversized bomber style is easy to layer over everything from a T-shirt to a thick turtleneck sweater. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2026 Taylor Swift is often at her best in autumn shades, and her signature combination of boots, mini skirt and a turtleneck has always struck me as the wardrobe of someone with a soft spot for pumpkin spice season. — Olivia Allen, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026 Feel free to add a blazer or a turtleneck for extra warmth in case your office AC is still on. — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 26 Oct. 2026 For the occasion, Hargitay bundled up in a navy blue turtleneck, a blue leather top, jeans, and a blue-and-orange Knicks jacket. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for turtleneck

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of turtleneck was in 1897

Phrases Containing turtleneck

Rhymes for turtleneck

See All Rhymes for turtleneck

Browse Nearby Words

turtle knot
turtleneck
turtle peg
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turtleneck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turtleneck. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

turtleneck

noun
tur·​tle·​neck -ˌnek How to pronounce turtleneck (audio)
1
: a high turned-over collar (as of a sweater)
2
: a garment (as a sweater) with a turtleneck
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