Bateau neck is a term used in fashion to describe a neckline that is wide and horizontal, resembling the shape of a boat. This type of neckline is a popular choice for dresses, tops and blouses, and is often seen as elegant and sophisticated. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bateau neck, its origin, and its associations in different contexts.
Definitions
Bateau neck is a type of neckline that is wide and horizontal, running from shoulder to shoulder. It is also known as a boat neck or Sabrina neckline. The neckline sits high on the chest and exposes the collarbone and shoulders, while remaining relatively modest in terms of cleavage.
Origin
The bateau neck has its origins in the French fashion industry, where it was first popularized in the 19th century. The term “bateau” means boat in French, and the neckline was named after the shape of a boat’s hull. The bateau neck became popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and has remained a popular choice in women’s fashion ever since.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bateau neck is defined as “a wide, shallow neckline that follows the curve of the collarbone and ends near the shoulder points”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a neckline that is wide and shallow, running horizontally from shoulder to shoulder”.
Associations
The bateau neck is often associated with elegance, sophistication, and femininity. It is a popular choice for formal occasions such as weddings, cocktail parties, and red carpet events. The neckline is also commonly used in nautical and maritime fashion, as it resembles the shape of a boat’s hull.
Synonyms
The bateau neck is also known as a boat neck or Sabrina neckline. Other synonyms include wide neck, shallow neckline, and horizontal neckline.
Antonyms
The opposite of a bateau neck is a high neck or turtleneck, which covers the neck and extends up to the chin. Another antonym is a plunging neckline, which is low-cut and exposes a significant amount of cleavage.
The same root words
The word “bateau” is the French word for boat, and is also used in the term “bateaux-mouches”, which refers to the tourist boats that cruise along the Seine river in Paris. The word “neckline” refers to the shape of the neckline, and is often used in reference to other types of necklines such as scoop neck, V-neck, and sweetheart neckline.
Example Sentences
- The bride wore a stunning ivory gown with a bateau neck and lace detailing.
- The designer chose a bateau neck for her collection of nautical-inspired dresses.
- The actress looked elegant in a black satin gown with a boat neck and long sleeves.
- The blouse had a wide, shallow neckline that resembled a bateau neck.
- The fashion editor recommended a bateau neck dress for the summer wedding.