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.
The ensemble featured a sharp lapel Khaite blazer with a cinching detail at her waist and a complementary slit skirt. Julia Teti, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025 But this coat has stiff leather fringe on the pockets and lapels. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025 Wearing a long dress and a coat with her badge pinned to the lapel, Wells patrolled Los Angeles’ seediest spots. Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025 Our coats are usually single-breasted with a one button front and a notch lapel cut in proportion to the wearer. Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lapel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lapel. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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!