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.
For her, a cocoon coat with a sweater glimpsed at the crossing of the lapels in a mix of shades of blue, from the darkest to the lightest and brightest. Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 6 Apr. 2026 For that occasion, the young royal wore a custom butterscotch Catherine Walker coatdress with chocolate brown buttons, lapels, and cuffs. Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 5 Apr. 2026 The former Miami Dolphins quarterback also accessorized with a butter-yellow floral lapel, which perfectly complemented his wife's bridal bouquet. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026 Larson never is without a lapel pin bearing the image of JFK, a gift on the 100th anniversary of Kennedy’s birth in 2017 from Caroline Kennedy at a conference on public service. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026 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 9 Apr. 2026.

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

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