Search Dictionary
Definition of nape
nape
/neɪp/
nape
Plural:napes
nape Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
8
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
1
nape Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
The back part of the neck, located immediately below the base of the skull.
Example
"A cool breeze brushed against the nape of her neck as she tied her hair back."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for nape Antonyms
View all antonyms for nape• Rhymes for nape
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in Middle English around the 14th century; its exact origin is uncertain, though it may be related to Old English cnæpp, meaning a hilltop or small projection.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nape. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nape