lapel

1 of 2

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 

lapelled

2 of 2

adjective

la·​pelled lə-ˈpeld 

variants or lapeled

1

: having lapels

2

: turned back as lapels

Examples of lapel in a Sentence

Noun

He wore a carnation in his lapel.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

It can be paired with up to four wireless lavalier/lapel microphones that store roughly 45 minutes of backup audio onboard in case a connection drops. — Damion Taylor, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Matthew wore a dapper tuxedo featuring a green jacket with black lapels, paired with slim-fitting black trousers, a white shirt and a black bow tie. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

The top of Underwood's outfit was modeled after a classic denim jacket and featured large lapels lined with gleaming gold-chain appliqués. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 28 June 2026

Turner stood beside her in a black tuxedo with satin lapels, a pleated white shirt, black bow tie and dark red boutonniere. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 20 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

diminutive of lap entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

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