What does decolletage mean?
Decolletage is a French-derived term for a low neckline that leaves the neck, shoulders, and upper part of the breasts exposed. It can refer either to the neckline itself or, less commonly, to a dress or bodice with this dramatic opening. The word is chiefly used in fashion, formal clothing descriptions, and historical writing about dress, where it often conveys sophistication and elegant display. In modern usage, a garment may be described as having a low or plunging decolletage, while the related term décolleté is frequently used as an adjective for the garment itself. Although decolletage can sound suggestive, it is not necessarily vulgar; its effect depends heavily on the clothing and the context of the description. The word is also useful in historical discussions, when it identifies a recognizable feature of evening gowns and other formal fashions from different periods.
nounA low neckline on a garment, especially a woman's dress, that exposes the neck, shoulders, and upper part of the breasts. The term can also refer to a dress or bodice designed with such a neckline.
- A low-cut neckline that exposes the neck, shoulders, and upper part of the breasts.
- A dress, bodice, or similar garment featuring such a neckline.
"She wore a silk gown with an elegant decolletage for the evening reception."
"The back of her gown was fastened, but its dramatic decolletage drew every eye."
"A museum catalogue describes the gown's bold decolletage as typical of the period."
Usually encountered in the singular in modern fashion writing; the plural is grammatical but uncommon.
"The catalogue compares the decolletages of several surviving dresses."
French in origin and elegant in sound, decolletage names the moment when a neckline becomes as striking as the dress itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does decolletage come from?
The English word comes from French décolletage, a term associated with décoller, meaning to uncover the neck or shoulders. Its ultimate root is Latin collum, meaning neck, the source of cognates such as collar and collier. The related English form décolleté belongs to the same French word family and is now often used to describe a low-necked garment.
How decolletage is actually used
This is a formal and specialized fashion term. It is more common in clothing descriptions, fashion writing, and historical discussions of dress than in everyday conversation, and it may suggest elegance, sophistication, or deliberate sensuality depending on context.
Easily confused with decolletage
Décolleté is the closely related French-derived form and is often used adjectively for a garment with a low, revealing neckline, whereas decolletage usually names the neckline itself or the style of dress featuring it.