lapel

noun

la·​pel lə-ˈpel How to pronounce lapel (audio)
: the part of a garment that is turned back
specifically : the fold of the front of a coat that is usually a continuation of the collar
lapelled adjective
or lapeled

Examples of lapel in a Sentence

He wore a carnation in his lapel.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both sported a double strand of pearls and had American flag pins fastened to their lapels. Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024 Even rarer are the seven one-of-a-kind cards that include the handler’s purple winner’s lapel fully inserted into the card. Erika Tulfo, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 The actress added on a black blazer with satin lapels, draping it over one shoulder. Hannah Malach, WWD, 28 Oct. 2024 All American politicians often wear American flag pins on their lapels, as well as red, white and blue clothing. Therèsa M. Winge, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lapel 

Word History

Etymology

diminutive of lap entry 1

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lapel was in 1789

Dictionary Entries Near lapel

Cite this Entry

“Lapel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lapel. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lapel

noun
la·​pel lə-ˈpel How to pronounce lapel (audio)
: the fold of the front of a coat that is usually a part of the collar

More from Merriam-Webster on lapel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!