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.
William wore a top hat and morning suit for the occasion, finishing the look with a red tie and red flower at the lapel. Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 8 May 2026 It’s designed with a stand-up lapel collar, princess seams, quarter-length sleeves, a belted waist, and a flowy, pleated midi skirt. Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026 On a rainy day in March 1983, Elizabeth had the Cullinan V brooch on her lapel when arrived in Santa Barbara—not too far from where her grandson, Prince Harry, currently resides. Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 28 Apr. 2026 And yet, on Saturday night, a patchwork of agents, officers and security personnel from more than a dozen agencies – many identifiable only by the different pins on their lapels – moved in coordination to evacuate guests and bring the suspect down. Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 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 12 May. 2026.

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

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