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Collar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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collar

[ˈkɒlə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on a shirt

A collar is the part of a shirt, dress, coat, or jacket that goes around your neck. It is usually made of the same material as the rest of the garment.

Synonyms

neckband, yoke.

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Word Description / Examples
collar

This word is commonly used in the context of clothing or animal accessories. A collar is the part of a shirt, jacket, or coat that goes around your neck. It can also refer to a device worn around the neck of an animal, typically a dog, for identification or control.

  • She adjusted the collar of her jacket as she walked into the office.
  • The dog’s owner attached a new tag to its collar.
neckband

Neckband primarily refers to a piece of fabric or material that encircles the neck. This term is mostly used in fashion or clothing design to describe a specific type of collar style.

  • His new shirt had a stylish neckband that looked very modern.
  • The dress featured a delicate lace neckband.
yoke

Yoke has multiple meanings. In agriculture, it refers to a wooden beam used to pair animals like oxen. In clothing, it describes the fitted part of a garment, typically in the upper back of a shirt. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • The farmer placed a yoke on the oxen to prepare for work in the fields.
  • The tailor added a decorative yoke to the back of the blouse.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a white shirt with a pointed collar.
  • The collar of his jacket was neatly pressed.
Context #2 | Noun

for pets

A collar for pets is a band of leather, nylon, or metal that is worn around the neck to which a lead can be attached. It is often used for identification or control purposes.

Synonyms

harness, leash.

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Word Description / Examples
collar

A device placed around the neck of animals, especially dogs, for control, identification, or attachment of a leash.

  • The dog wore a red collar with its name tag attached.
  • Make sure the collar is not too tight around the puppy's neck.
leash

A rope or cord used to lead or control an animal, typically applied to dogs while walking.

  • It's important to keep the dog on a leash in busy areas.
  • She bought a new leash for her puppy.
harness

A set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other animal is fastened to a cart, plow, etc., and is controlled by its driver. It can also be used for safety equipment in activities like rock climbing.

  • The rock climber carefully checked his harness before starting the climb.
  • The horse was fitted with a harness to pull the carriage.

Examples of usage

  • The dog's collar had a tag with its name and owner's contact information.
  • She put a collar on her cat to prevent it from wandering off.
Context #3 | Verb

to arrest

To collar someone means to catch and arrest them, especially for committing a crime.

Synonyms

apprehend, detain.

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Word Description / Examples
collar

Used in informal situations to describe catching or stopping someone, often in a forceful or abrupt manner. This word can have a negative tone.

  • The shopkeeper managed to collar the shoplifter before he could run away.
  • As soon as he saw his friend at the party, he collar him for a chat.
apprehend

Used in formal and legal contexts to describe the act of arresting someone, usually by law enforcement.

  • The police were able to apprehend the suspect after a week-long investigation.
  • Authorities apprehend the fugitive at the border.
detain

Used in legal and security contexts to describe holding someone in custody, often temporarily and for questioning. This word has a neutral to sometimes negative tone depending on the context.

  • The police detained several protesters for questioning after the rally.
  • They were detained at the airport for several hours due to a security alert.

Examples of usage

  • The police managed to collar the thief before he could escape.
  • They collared the suspect in connection with the robbery.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • Collars vary widely in style, from the formal tuxedo collar to the casual polo neck, showcasing personal style and occasion.
  • The detachable collar became popular in the late 19th century, allowing shirts to be washed separately while keeping a formal appearance.
  • Current trends include oversized and embellished collars, adding a touch of creativity to everyday outfits.

Animals

  • Dog collars not only show ownership but are also essential for pet safety, often holding ID tags.
  • The first recorded use of a collar for a pet dates back to ancient Egypt, where cats were adorned with beautifully crafted collars.
  • Today, many collars include innovative designs such as GPS tracking for lost pets.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, collars symbolize different roles; for example, priestly collars signify a commitment to religious duties.
  • Cultural attire often features distinguished collars; the mandarin collar in Asian fashion is a prime example.
  • Certain professions, like law enforcement, may use uniform collars to denote authority and professionalism.

Literature and Media

  • The collar as a metaphor appears in literature, often symbolizing control or restriction, as seen in various poems and novels.
  • In movies, characters with distinctive collar styles can represent their personality or societal role, like the sophisticated collar worn by aristocrats.
  • Famous literary characters, such as Sherlock Holmes, have iconic collars that enhance their identity and style.

Origin of 'collar'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'collar' comes from the Latin word 'collare', meaning 'to bind' or 'to fasten'.
  • In Old French, 'col' means 'neck', reflecting the collar's placement.
  • Historically, collars were often used to denote social status by their complexity or embellishment.

The word 'collar' originated in the 13th century from the Old French word 'coler', which in turn came from the Latin word 'collum' meaning 'neck'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to various types of bands worn around the neck, including those for clothing and animals.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,350 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.