paisley

adjective

pais·​ley ˈpāz-lē 

often capitalized

1

: made typically of soft wool and woven or printed with colorful curved abstract figures

2

: marked by designs, patterns, or figures typically used in paisley fabrics

a paisley print

paisley noun

Examples of paisley in a Sentence

The wallpaper is a paisley print.

Recent Examples on the Web

Johnson, who has bright eyes and a Georgia drawl, wore a paisley blouse and blue capri pants. —Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025

For a night out, pair it with Dôen’s romantic paisley dress, cinch the waist with Banana republic’s knotted belt, then finish with Alaïa’s Le Click bag. —Minty Mellon, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2025

This maxi dress is made from a smooth and luxurious material that won’t crease or pill, and the paisley pattern, V-neckline, and flowy sleeves create an effortlessly stylish look. —Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 16 Oct. 2025

Patchwork details and paisley prints were grounded in darker florals and paired with men’s tailoring, particularly at Etro and Missoni. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Paisley, Scotland

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

paisley

adjective

pais·​ley ˈpāz-lē 

often capitalized

: made with colorful curved figures

a paisley shawl

paisley noun

Geographical Definition

Paisley

geographical name

Pais·​ley ˈpāz-lē 

burgh in southwestern Scotland west of Glasgow population 77,000