English · Word Candidate

necklace

/ˈnɛkləs/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: necklaces · necklacing · necklaced

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An article of jewelry that is worn around the neck, most often made of a string of precious metal, pearls, gems, beads or shells, and sometimes having a pendant attached.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Anything resembling a necklace in shape.

Noun

Examples

a necklace of coral islands

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To informally execute by necklacing; by setting on fire a petrol-filled rubber tyre which has been put around the bound victim's neck.

Verb

Examples

Frustrated residents tied the hands of two suspected criminals, put tyres around their necks and then set them alight. In a manifestation of growing disillusionment with the criminal justice system, residents of Bramfischerville, west of Johannesburg, on Tuesday abducted and necklaced two suspected

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “necklace” mean?

An article of jewelry that is worn around the neck, most often made of a string of precious metal, pearls, gems, beads or shells, and sometimes having a pendant attached.

Is “necklace” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.