paisley

adjective

pais·​ley ˈpāz-lē How to pronounce paisley (audio)
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 At the Venice Film Festival, model Candice Swanepoel nailed off-duty dressing in a silky paisley button-up, with the trousers to match. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2023 The final spot in the trio of top lots is taken by a different pair of JAR earrings that feature a paisley design and are set with peridot, sapphire, tourmaline, and diamonds. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2023 Garcia, a sustainable designer, exhibited striped sundresses and paisley frocks, while Venezuela native Vielman showcased his flair for pop art and prints. Mario Abad, ELLE, 9 Sep. 2023 There’s something meta about Meisel capturing these iconographic faces all done up as versions of himself—see: Kaia Gerber in his oversized trapper hat; Scott Barnhill in his paisley bandana; Jackson Jarrel in his black kilt and boots; and Alton Mason in his relaxed blazer and leather pants. José Criales-Unzueta, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2023 Other outfits in the slideshow were an airy mustard-yellow set, a sleek all-white day look, and a black beach cover-up in a paisley pattern. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Aug. 2023 For the seventies inspired sport watch, Glashütte Original has always drawn inspiration from the era’s paisley patterns, floral prints and batik color gradients. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2023 But the two couldn’t help but beam in pictures with Doria Ragland, Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle’s mother, who stepped out in a sunny paisley print. Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 28 Aug. 2023 In the photo, Hayek is seen posing in a clear blue pool while wearing a frilly bikini by Zimmermann with a paisley patchwork in various pastel hues. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paisley.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Paisley, Scotland

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paisley was in 1790

Dictionary Entries Near paisley

Cite this Entry

“Paisley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paisley. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

paisley

adjective
pais·​ley ˈpāz-lē How to pronounce paisley (audio)
often capitalized
: made with colorful curved figures
a paisley shawl
paisley noun

Geographical Definition

Paisley

geographical name

Pais·​ley ˈpāz-lē How to pronounce Paisley (audio)
burgh in southwestern Scotland west of Glasgow population 77,000

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