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

Zinn was assigned to be a bombardier and took to it quickly, graduating from flight school as a second lieutenant with gold bars on his lapels. — Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026

She’s drawn to coats with dramatic lapels, rich colors, and even the occasional print. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026

The crypto influencers who aren't dead or in prison are now wearing suits with American flag lapel pins on their podcasts. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026

The collared top, which also included two flap breast pockets, was given a business casual edge with a slightly oversize black blazer, featuring a sinuous lapel and rounded shoulders. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 July 2026

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