Definitions
01jewellery
A1 · Beginner Countable noun
n. a piece of jewellery that you wear around your neck.
n. an ornamental chain or string of beads, jewels, or links worn around the neck.
“She wore a beautiful gold necklace that her grandmother gave her.”
“The museum's collection includes an intricate diamond necklace once owned by the French royal family.”
02execution device
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Dialect
n. a petrol-filled tyre used as a weapon or for execution.
n. a rubber tyre filled with petrol, used in the practice of 'necklacing' as a method of extrajudicial execution.
“The history book described the horrific use of the necklace during the riots.”
“The witness provided a harrowing account of how the mob used a petrol-soaked necklace to intimidate the local population.”
Usage
Specific to South African English and historical contexts of political violence.
Teaching tip
This sense is highly specific to South African history; learners should be aware of its extremely violent and sensitive nature.
03to execute
C2 · Proficiency Dialect
v. to kill someone using a petrol-filled tyre.
v. to carry out an extrajudicial execution by placing a petrol-filled tyre around a victim's neck and setting it on fire.
“The gang threatened to necklace anyone who spoke to the police.”
“During the height of the unrest, several individuals were necklaced in the streets as a warning to others.”
Usage
Transitive verb used primarily in South African political and historical discourse.
Teaching tip
This is a very rare and specific verb; it is almost never used outside of discussing South African history.
Etymology
From neck + lace.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/necklace
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0