noun
nape
nayp
Nape (noun) means the back of the neck. Example: “She swept her hair up, exposing the nape of her neck.”
noun
1
The back of the neck.
"He was still stroking Radar, long glides of his hand from nape to tail."
— Stephen King (2022)
"She swept her hair up, exposing the nape of her neck."
"A cold draft crept across the nape of his neck."
How to use nape
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe back part of your neck, just below the head.
Common pairings
nape of the neck
back of the nape
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Word forms
- Plural
- napes
- Third person singular
- napes
- Past tense
- naped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She swept her hair up, exposing the _____ of her neck.
Etymology
From Middle English nape, of uncertain origin — possibly linked to an old word for a cup or hollow, describing the small dip at the base of the skull.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for nape
See all rhymes for nape →Frequently asked questions
What does “nape” mean?
The word “nape” means the back of the neck. In plain terms, the back part of your neck, just below the head.
How do you pronounce “nape”?
“Nape” is pronounced nayp (/neɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “nape” in a sentence?
Here is “nape” used in a sentence: “She swept her hair up, exposing the nape of her neck.”
What is another word for “nape”?
Words with a similar meaning to “nape” include nucha, nuchal, scruff, scruff of the neck and withers.
What part of speech is “nape”?
“Nape” is a noun.
Where does the word “nape” come from?
The word “nape” comes from Middle English. From Middle English nape, of uncertain origin — possibly linked to an old word for a cup or hollow, describing the small dip at the base of the skull.
