English Reference

Word

turtleneck

Phoneticsturtle·neck

US/ˈtɝtəɫˌnɛk/

UK/tˈɜːtəlnˌɛk/

Countable noun

Definition

n. a warm sweater with a high collar that covers most of your neck.

n. a knitted sweater or top with a high, close-fitting collar that covers the neck, often folded over.

Examples

“She wears a black turtleneck on cold days.”

“He pulls his turtleneck up over his chin before stepping out into the freezing wind.”

“Paired with a tailored blazer, her cream turtleneck lent the outfit a quiet elegance that worked for both office meetings and evening dinners.”

Examples

simple

“She wears a black turtleneck on cold days.”

contextual

“He pulls his turtleneck up over his chin before stepping out into the freezing wind.”

complex

“Paired with a tailored blazer, her cream turtleneck lent the outfit a quiet elegance that worked for both office meetings and evening dinners.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “turtleneck” in context.

Verb

01. arrive in turtleneck

“He arrived in a black turtleneck and jeans.”

verb + prep + noun

02. dress in turtleneck

“She dressed in a turtleneck and boots for the trip.”

verb + prep + noun

03. pair with turtleneck

“She paired dark jeans with a white turtleneck.”

verb + prep + noun

04. pull up turtleneck

“Pull up your turtleneck to keep your neck warm.”

verb + prep + noun

05. put on turtleneck

“He put on a turtleneck before going out in the snow.”

verb + prep + noun

Adjective

06. black turtleneck

“She wore a black turtleneck with jeans for a simple evening look.”

adj + noun

07. chunky turtleneck

“She loves her chunky turtleneck because it is very warm.”

adj + noun

08. oversized turtleneck

“He wore an oversized turtleneck over slim jeans.”

adj + noun

09. layered under a turtleneck

“She wore a T-shirt layered under a turtleneck for extra warmth.”

10. pair a turtleneck with jeans

“You can easily pair a turtleneck with jeans for a casual look.”

11. pull up your turtleneck

“Pull up your turtleneck - it's freezing outside today.”

12. stay warm in a turtleneck

“You will stay warm in a turtleneck and a thick coat.”

Real-World Examples

“She cultivated a distinctive persona: blond hair, an unblinking gaze, a husky voice and a black turtleneck worn in homage to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs .”
The Guardian 17 Oct 2026
“Dressed in a simple black turtleneck and showcasing her iconic blonde pixie cut, the virtual version of the legendary actress will interact via a computer screen, utilizing her characteristic breathy voice.”
Reuters 8 Mar 2024
“She also created Vaccaro, the store's exclusive line of knitted and leather products primarily sold in the United States and manufactured in Italy, featuring a signature tight turtleneck available in a spectrum of hues.”
The New York Times 5 Jan 2017

Related words

This entry

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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference