lapel

noun

la·​pel lə-ˈpel 

: 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

lə-ˈpeld 

Examples of lapel in a Sentence

He wore a carnation in his lapel.

Recent Examples on the Web

Whether you're headed to the office or out for dinner with friends, this collared ribbed maxi nods to preppy style with its contrast trim, lapel neckline, and pleated fishtail hem. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2025

The jacket featured sharp lapels and a button at the waist. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 July 2025

Narrowed dramatically since ’78, along with the lapels. —Stephen Colbert, New Yorker, 18 July 2025

Diehard Neiman fans can also find a more unexpected example of Neiman’s ties to fashion on eBay, where an autographed ivory-colored blazer with his signature on its lapel was being sold for $79,800 as of Friday afternoon. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 1 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

diminutive of lap entry 1

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lapel

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

lapel

noun

la·​pel lə-ˈpel 

: the fold of the front of a coat that is usually a part of the collar