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.
Brooches emerged from the jewel box, still precious but now used as a tool to elevate layering and style from the lapel up. Minty Mellon, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025 Its polished lapels, caramel brown color, and thigh-skimming length all closely resemble Watts’ off-duty outfit. Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 Massie wears a debt clock lapel pin and lives off the grid. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2025 The open lapel neckline and double front pockets add style and functionality to this coatigan, which can be worn over T-shirts, blouses, jeans, and dress pants for days in the office, dinners out, or weekends spent running errands around town. Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2025 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 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on lapel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!