Leatherneck

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈlɛðənÉ›k/

Origin

From leather + neck.

Full definition of leatherneck

Noun

1. (slang) A soldier.
2. (US) Specifically, a marine.
• 2011, Steven Pinker, The Better Angels of Our Nature, Penguin 2012, p. 318:The Marine Corps has instituted a martial-arts program in which leathernecks are indoctrinated in a new code of honor, the Ethical Marine Warrior.