: 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
Examples of lapel in a Sentence
He wore a carnation in his lapel.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Council of Fashion Designers of America partnered with the American Civil Liberties Union to support the ICE OUT campaign, and a handful of show attendees and designers sported the button on their lapels.
—
Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Each comes with a full-button-front top, complete with breast pocket and lapel collar, as well as pants with a comfortable elastic waistband.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
The base of the dress’ neckline featured a feminine rosette, while other elements of the dress, including the fabric contrast between the dress and the lapels and hip pocket flaps, offered some suited styling inspiration.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
Leading them with graceful, sweeping beats and a sparkling hibiscus flower on his lapel?
—Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lapel
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.
Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Each comes with a full-button-front top, complete with breast pocket and lapel collar, as well as pants with a comfortable elastic waistband.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
The base of the dress’ neckline featured a feminine rosette, while other elements of the dress, including the fabric contrast between the dress and the lapels and hip pocket flaps, offered some suited styling inspiration.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
Leading them with graceful, sweeping beats and a sparkling hibiscus flower on his lapel?
—Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lapel
Cite this Entry
“Lapel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lapel. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lapel
noun
la·pel
lə-ˈpel 
: the fold of the front of a coat that is usually a part of the collar
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
