turtleneck

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'turtleneck' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a type of sweater or shirt that has a close-fitting, round, high collar that folds over and covers the neck. Example sentence: She wore a fitted black turtleneck to the party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A wiry guy in a blue turtleneck and suède moccasins, he was equable but stubborn.

The Economist

Model Karlie Kloss – wearing oversized trench, chunky turtleneck and wide legged trousers – was a vision in winter white, albeit one that would require a lot of drycleaning.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Yesterday I was warning sandals and a short-sleeve shirt, and today I'm wearing a coat and scarf and turtleneck and sweatshirt and gloves," said Kimmel, who is from Montana but hadn't visited during the winter in 30 years.

The Guardian

The main piece of evidence police had connecting Griggs and Johnson to the murder: a green turtleneck sweater that police claim they recovered from Johnson at her mother's house.

The Guardian

"His ID had a very serious black-and-white photo of him in a turtleneck – a classic book-jacket photo.

Independent

Jerry is every bit the urbane professional, dressed in turtleneck sweater (Saint Laurent appropriated this look from the Beat generation in the late Sixties and caused more than a few ripples when he sent it down the catwalk), suede safari jacket (another of the house's signatures from that period), straight pants and desert boots.

Independent

For them the black turtleneck sweater signified rebellion, but it was tidied up by Audrey Hepburn in the 1957 musical Funny Face.

Independent

Jobs is played by Michael Fassbender, who sets out in a blue blazer and green bow tie, and distills himself, over time, into the guru of legend, complete with the monkish haircut and the black turtleneck.

The New Yorker

Under the blazer he wore a gray turtleneck.

The New Yorker

Was it scary?" Mort puts his hands over his turtleneck and says, "Are you kidding?

The New Yorker

She wore a tight black leather blazer over a black turtleneck, and her hair was styled stiffly in a ponytail.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the fabric when describing a "turtleneck". For example, "cashmere turtleneck" specifies both the style and material.

Common error

Avoid using "turtleneck" interchangeably with similar but distinct styles like cowl necks or mock necks. A true "turtleneck" has a folded-over collar, unlike a mock neck, which stands upright without folding.

Linguistic Context

The word "turtleneck" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a type of garment, specifically a sweater or shirt with a high, close-fitting, and turned-over collar. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable word. It can also function attributively, as in "turtleneck sweater".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "turtleneck" correctly and commonly refers to a specific style of garment with a high, folded collar. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide use. Predominantly found in News & Media, its register remains neutral, adapting to diverse contexts. When writing about fashion, be sure to use the most descriptive and accurate phrase, or, in the case of British usage, use "polo neck sweater". Keep in mind, though, that garments such as "mock neck shirts" aren't "turtleneck" because they do not fold.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

polo neck sweater

Uses British English terminology for the same garment.

roll neck top

Emphasizes the rolled nature of the neck covering.

high-necked sweater

Focuses on the height of the neck covering.

mock neck shirt

Describes a similar style with a slightly less pronounced neck.

cowl neck sweater

Indicates a draped, less fitted neck style.

high collar knit

Highlights the knitted material and high collar.

funnel neck top

Describes a wide, conical neck shape.

skivvy

Australian slang for a "turtleneck".

close-fitting high neck

Emphasizes the close fit and high neck design.

high-necked pullover

Describes the garment as a pullover with a high neck.

FAQs

How to use "turtleneck" in a sentence?

You can use "turtleneck" to describe a garment with a high, close-fitting collar that folds over on itself, for example, "She wore a black "turtleneck" to the party."

What can I say instead of "turtleneck"?

Alternatives include "polo neck sweater", "roll neck top", or "high-necked sweater", depending on the specific style and regional dialect.

What's the difference between "turtleneck" and "mock neck"?

A "turtleneck" has a high, folded-over collar, while a "mock neck shirt" features a similar high neckline that stands upright without folding.

Is "turtleneck" a formal or informal garment?

A "turtleneck" can be dressed up or down depending on the material and context. A cashmere "turtleneck" might be suitable for business-casual settings, while a cotton "turtleneck" is generally more casual.