Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stiff white collar with no opening in the front; a distinctive symbol of the clergy: A rigid, white neckband worn as part of clerical attire, especially by priests and ministers in some Christian denominations.
   • A collar for a dog: A band, typically made of leather, nylon, or fabric, worn around a dog's neck to which a leash, identification tags, or a license can be attached.
   • A necklace that fits tightly around a woman's neck: A close-fitting, often decorative, band worn as jewelry around a woman's neck.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (clerical collar):
  • The priest adjusted his dog collar before beginning the service.
  • The traditional dog collar is a symbol of his vocation.
• Noun (for a pet):
  • She bought a new leather dog collar with a shiny brass nameplate.
  • Always check that your dog collar is not too tight.
• Noun (necklace):
  • She wore a simple velvet dog collar with her evening gown.
  • The jeweled dog collar was a family heirloom.

Advanced Usage

• The term "dog collar" for the clerical item is informal and more common in British English. The formal terms are "clerical collar" or "Roman collar."
• In fashion, a "dog collar" necklace is also sometimes called a "choker."

Variants and Related Words

• Clerical collar (n): The formal term for the stiff white neckband worn by clergy.
• Choker (n): A close-fitting necklace, synonymous with the fashion sense of "dog collar."
• Collar (n): The general term for any band worn around the neck, whether for clothing, an animal, or ornamentation.

Synonyms

• For the clerical item: clerical collar, Roman collar.
• For the pet item: neckband, collar.
• For the necklace: choker, neckband.

Related Phrases

• To be collared: (informal) To be stopped and made to talk to someone. (This uses the verb form of "collar," not the specific noun "dog collar").
  • I was collared by my boss on my way out the door.

Noun

1. necklace that fits tightly around a woman's neck
2. a stiff white collar with no opening in the front; a distinctive symbol of the clergy
3. a collar for a dog