paisley

adjective

pais·​ley ˈpāz-lē 

often capitalized

1

: made typically of soft wool and woven or printed with colorful curved abstract figures

2

: marked by designs, patterns, or figures typically used in paisley fabrics

a paisley print

paisley noun

Examples of paisley in a Sentence

The wallpaper is a paisley print.

Recent Examples on the Web

La Prairie evokes a dreamy meadow filled with geometric blooms and bows, while Le Firmament explores the heavens, the celestial Western stars, illustrated with beads and swirling paisley patterns. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025

Gomez wore a spring-appropriate silky pink button-down dress featuring a subtle paisley pattern. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 17 May 2024

An essential in her everyday uniform, follow suit and pair yours from Madewell with a navy peacoat and paisley cotton bandana from Banana Republic. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025

The boldest women are going for pieces with paisley prints, flowing dresses and blouses, and extra-long necklaces. —Casandra Maggio, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Paisley, Scotland

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

paisley

adjective

pais·​ley ˈpāz-lē 

often capitalized

: made with colorful curved figures

a paisley shawl

paisley noun

Geographical Definition

Paisley

geographical name

Pais·​ley ˈpāz-lē 

burgh in southwestern Scotland west of Glasgow population 77,000