paisley

adjective

pais·​ley ˈpāz-lē 

variants often Paisley

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

Tailored trousers kept the outfit polished, while paisley socks beneath leather wedge pumps gave it a tongue-in-cheek finish. — Minty Mellon, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026

Other Western influences appeared in dark-wash denim embroidered with paisley designs, paired with tall, heeled cowboy boots. — Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026

On August 31, photos shared by hairstylist Adir Abergel depicted Kidman in a semi-sheer paisley dress. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 31 Aug. 2026

Here, a sofa slipcovered in a patchwork of paisley tablecloths is joined by a custom Dan John Anderson table inset with abalone shell and brass, a straw artwork made in the Purhépecha region of Mexico, and snuggly bean-bags. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026

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