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 Princess wore a bright aquamarine woollen dress coat with ivory lapels and cuffs by Catherine Walker—a designer favored by Kate Middleton as much as Princess Diana—as well as wide-brimmed matching hat with a sculptural motif by Juliette Botterill. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 June 2025 Last January, the singer wore a skirt suit look with ’90s flair, featuring a cropped jacket with an oversize lapel and a gold chain and black gemstone detail at the front. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 13 June 2025 Then, on the day of Trump’s inauguration, while Spencer was explaining the significance of his Pepe the Frog lapel pin to a film crew, a masked man came up and clocked him. Deborah Baker june 3, Literary Hub, 3 June 2025 He is dressed in a blue suit with one of his signature red ties, and an American flag is pinned to his left lapel. Alana Wise, NPR, 3 June 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 24 Jun. 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
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