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

Instead leave the first few buttons undone and spread the collar over the lapels of a slightly oversized single-breasted blazer. — Georgia Brown, Glamour, 7 Nov. 2026

Hilary Clinton famously wore a gray Ralph Lauren suit with purple lapels for her 2016 concession speech, while husband Bill Clinton sported a purple tie. — Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026

Twenty minutes later my bleep shrieked at me from my lapel, and I was given my very first job as a junior doctor. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026

Wade also wore Kors, sporting an unconventional suit that consisted of a peak-lapel vest, a ribbed tank, and pleated pants. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 27 Oct. 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