What does turtleneck mean?
A turtleneck is a garment, especially a sweater, with a close-fitting collar high around the neck that can be folded down. The same word may refer to the collar itself or to the neckline it creates. Turtlenecks are associated with minimalist, functional, or classic clothing, although they can appear in casual knitwear, tailored outfits, uniforms, and evening wear. In British English, roll-neck and polo neck are common alternatives, while turtleneck is frequent in both British and American usage. The term can also describe a high, turned-over collar on other garments, such as a fitted top or lightweight sweater. Because it names both a specific clothing item and a distinctive neckline, turtleneck is useful when discussing garment construction, personal style, or the visual associations of a high, close-fitting collar.
nounA turtleneck is a garment, especially a sweater, with a close-fitting collar that rises around the neck and can be folded down. The word can also refer to this style of collar or neckline.
- A sweater or other garment with a close-fitting, high collar that can be folded down.
- A close-fitting, turned-over collar or the neckline formed by such a collar.
"She wore a charcoal turtleneck beneath her tailored jacket."
"He pulled on a black turtleneck before leaving for the office."
"The lightweight jacket has a soft turtleneck that provides warmth without bulk."
The plural is used for multiple garments or collar styles.
"The shop sells plain black turtlenecks in several sizes."
A turtleneck keeps the neck snug, but its folded collar has become an enduring symbol of minimalist, sharply styled clothing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does turtleneck come from?
Turtleneck developed from the English compound turtle neck in the early twentieth century. The turtle element refers to the shape of the turned-over collar, traditionally compared with a turtle's shell. Neck itself comes from Old English hnecca.
Related word forms
How turtleneck is actually used
The term is neutral in register and common in both British and American English. British speakers frequently use roll-neck or polo neck, while turtleneck is especially familiar in American usage as well.