collar
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The part of a piece of clothing, typically a shirt or jacket, that encircles and fastens around the neck.
Any similar encircling band or structure, such as those worn by animals, or used in machinery. Figuratively, it refers to the act of catching, seizing, or detaining someone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a concrete noun for clothing and objects. The verb sense ('to collar someone') is informal and implies forceful or authoritative detention. Also used in specific technical fields (e.g., 'roll collar', 'drill collar').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The verb 'to collar' (to seize/detain) is slightly more common in BrE crime/police contexts. 'Dog collar' can refer to clerical attire in both, but is the standard term for pet accessory in AmE; BrE also uses 'collar' alone for pets.
Connotations
In BrE, 'collar' in 'white-collar/blue-collar' can carry stronger class connotations. 'To be collared by the boss' feels slightly more BrE for an informal reprimand.
Frequency
The noun is equally high-frequency. The informal verb might have marginally higher frequency in BrE media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
collar somebody (verb, informal)collar of something (noun)have a collar (noun)wear a collar (noun)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hot under the collar (angry/agitated)”
- “collar someone (to stop/detain)”
- “white-collar/blue-collar worker”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'White-collar crime' is a major concern for the financial sector.
Academic
The study examined the social mobility of blue-collar families.
Everyday
He popped his collar to shield himself from the drizzle.
Technical
The drill collar is a heavy, thick-walled tube in the bottom of the drill string.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The shop detective collared the shoplifter before he could leave.
- I got collared by my neighbour for a chat about the bins.
American English
- The reporter collared the senator after the press conference.
- My boss collared me in the hallway to ask about the report.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form. Not used.
American English
- No standard adverbial form. Not used.
adjective
British English
- It's a collar-length necklace.
- He suffered a collar-bone fracture playing rugby.
American English
- She wore a collar-style necklace.
- He broke his collar bone in the accident.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My shirt has a blue collar.
- The dog's collar has his name on it.
- He turned up his coat collar against the wind.
- She works in a white-collar job at a bank.
- The police officer collared the suspect as he tried to flee.
- The Victorian dress featured an elaborate lace collar.
- The scandal implicated several high-profile white-collar executives.
- Geologically, the valley is surrounded by a collar of ancient volcanic rock.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DOLLAR bill wrapped around your neck like a scarf – a DOLLAR COLLAR. Or, a COLLAR keeps your COLD neck LARgely warm.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTRAINT/CONTROL (to be collared by the police; a tight deadline can feel like a collar). ENCIRCLEMENT/PROXIMITY (a collar of mountains around the valley).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'colour'.
- Russian 'воротник' (vorotnik) is the direct equivalent for clothing. 'Ошейник' (osheynik) is specifically for animals.
- The verb 'to collar' has no direct single-word equivalent; use phrases like 'схватить за шиворот' or 'задержать'.
Common Mistakes
- *'I collared him at the party' (correct) vs. *'I collared with him at the party' (incorrect – verb is transitive).
- Confusing 'collar' (clothing/object) with 'collar' as verb in formal writing.
- Spelling: *'colar' (misspelling).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'hot under the collar' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it applies to any garment with a neckband (dresses, coats, jackets) and has extended meanings for animal bands, machinery parts, and as a verb.
'Collar' is a separate, often stiff, part sewn onto the neck. 'Neckline' describes the shape and style of the opening itself (e.g., V-neckline, scoop neckline). A garment can have both.
Yes, informally. It means to seize or detain someone, either physically (by police) or to stop someone for conversation.
It originates from the typical attire: office workers ('white-collar') wore white dress shirts, while manual labourers ('blue-collar') wore durable blue work shirts or overalls.
Collections
Part of a collection
Colors and Clothes
A1 · 45 words · Colors and common items of clothing.
Explore