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

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

The governor wore a Croke button on his lapel. —Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Paul Anthony Kelly looked dapper in a black Chanel suit with wide lapels, as did Jeff Goldblum, who wore an embellished Chanel cardigan. —Brandi Fowler, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026

While brooches were seen on the lapels of several stylish men, the surprise was in how some men extended their jewelry game beyond the now-ubiquitous brooch. —Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 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