What is neck? Pronunciation and usage in English

neck means . Learn how to pronounce and use neck through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of neck

necknoun

/nɛk/
Definition & pronunciation of neck

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "neck" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and correct pronunciation is:

  • neck (pronounced like "nek")

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  1. "ne": This is pronounced like the "ne" in "net". It's a short, crisp "n" sound followed by a short "e" sound.
  2. "ck": This is pronounced like the "ck" in "lack." It's a short, quick "k" sound.

Putting it all together: It's a very straightforward, two-syllable word.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("neck").
  • Don't overemphasize: Avoid making it sound like you're saying "neck-uh" (like the word "duck").

Resources for Hearing It:

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Usage and examples with the word neck in English

Let's break down how to use the word "neck" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. The Physical Neck (Most Common)

  • Definition: The part of the body connecting the head to the shoulders.
  • Examples:
    • "I felt a tickle at the back of my neck."
    • "She wore a beautiful necklace around her neck."
    • "He straightened his neck and looked down at the map."
    • "She had a long, graceful neck."

2. Neck of a River/Land (Geography)

  • Definition: The narrowest part of a river or the area where land narrows.
  • Examples:
    • "The boat sailed through the neck of the river."
    • "The mountain range formed a narrow neck between the two valleys."
    • "The island has a small neck connecting it to the mainland."

3. Neck of a Bottle/Container (Objects)

  • Definition: The narrow part at the bottom of a bottle, jar, or other container.
  • Examples:
    • "Carefully pour the liquid down the neck of the bottle."
    • "He tried to unscrew the neck of the jar."

4. "Neck" as a Verb (To Turn Something Over)

  • Definition: To turn something over onto its back, bottom, or underside. Often used with things like bottles, cans, or packages.
  • Examples:
    • "Please neck the bottle before you open it." (meaning turn it over to pour)
    • "He necked the can to get to the last bit of soda."
    • "She necked the package to see what was inside."

5. "Neck" as an Idiom/Expression (Figurative Uses)

This is where it gets more interesting!

  • "Neck and neck": (Competition) Meaning very close, tied.
    • “The two horses were running neck and neck.”
  • “Neck out”: (Effort/Strain) Meaning to devote all one's effort or resources; to strain.
    • “He was neck out trying to finish the project on time.”
  • "To be on your neck": (Annoying/Close) Meaning to be constantly around someone, particularly in a bothersome way.
    • “He’s always on my neck, following me everywhere.”
  • "To have someone on your neck": Similar to above.
  • "Worth your neck": (Risky) Meaning very dangerous or risky.
    • “That stunt is worth your neck!”

6. "Neck" as a Noun (Rare, but exists)

  • Definition: The stalk of a flower or fruit. (More common in botanical contexts)
  • "The roses had a beautiful, long neck."

Tips for Using "Neck" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "neck" is almost always determined by the surrounding words.
  • Be mindful of the idiom: When using "neck and neck" or other idioms, make sure you understand the intended meaning.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "neck" in? (e.g., "I'm writing a story," "I'm practicing my English," "I just want to understand the word better.")
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word neck

Idioms of the word neck

be up to your neck in something
to have a lot of something to deal with
  • We're up to our neck in debt.
  • He's in it (= trouble) up to his neck.
brass neck
(British English, informal)a combination of confidence and lack of respect
  • I didn't think she would have the brass neck to do that.
breathe down somebody’s neck
(informal)to watch closely what somebody is doing in a way that makes them feel anxious and/or annoyed
  • I can’t get any work done with you breathing down my neck.
by a neck
if a person or an animal wins a race by a neck, they win it by a short distance
    by the scruff of the/somebody’s neck
    roughly holding the back of an animal’s or person’s neck
    • She grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and threw him out.
    • The cat picked up her kitten by the scruff of its neck.
    get it in the neck
    (British English, informal)to be shouted at or punished because of something that you have done
      a millstone around/round your neck
      a difficult problem or responsibility that it seems impossible to solve or get rid of
      • My debts are a millstone around my neck.
      • Unemployment was an economic millstone around the country’s neck.
      neck and neck (with somebody/something)
      level with somebody in a race or competition
      • The cyclists were neck and neck as they approached the final lap.
      neck of the woods
      (informal)a particular place or area
      • He's from your neck of the woods (= the area where you live).
      • What are you doing in this neck of the woods?
      a pain in the neck
      (informal)a person or thing that is very annoying
      • That man's a pain in the neck!
      put/lay your head/neck on the block
      to risk losing your job, damaging your reputation, etc. by doing or saying something
      • It's not a matter that I'm prepared to put my head on the block for.
      risk your neck
      to risk being killed or injured in order to do something
      • I'm not going to risk my neck playing rugby with you!
      save somebody’s bacon/neck
      (informal)to rescue somebody from a very difficult situation
      • He's out to save his own political neck.
      save your (own) skin/hide/neck
      to try to avoid death, punishment, etc., especially by leaving others in an extremely difficult situation
      • To save his own skin, he lied and blamed the accident on his friend.
      stick your neck out
      (informal)to do or say something when there is a risk that you may be wrong
      • I’ll stick my neck out and say that Bill is definitely the best candidate for the job.
      wring somebody’s neck
      (informal)when you say that you will wring somebody’s neck, you mean that you are very angry or annoyed with them
      • When he was late again I wanted to wring his neck.

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