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

Devotees of his fashions will likely disagree, seeing his pencil strokes bring to life elegant dresses and coats with flame-like lapels, or depict a crane and a contorting human with the same energetic strokes. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

This January 15th, just after midday, Machado went to visit the White House, with a Venezuelan-flag pin on her lapel. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Biles attended the event alongside her husband, Jonathan Owens, who opted for a chocolate-brown suit with satin lapels and a eye-catching brooch. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Or French designer Haider Ackermann, who can make any suit more interesting by homing in on its neckline — adding opera and silk scarves, or even just by wearing the lapels of his blazer turned upwards. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 15 July 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