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

Sofia Grainge Quilted Toiletry Bag Featuring a paisley pattern and pretty tassel zipper, this toiletry bag will carry your skincare and makeup essentials in style. —Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025

The number was ever so appropriate for a Big Apple summer with its colorful paisley pattern and skin-baring silhouette. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 13 June 2025

One side features a beautiful charcoal gray background with white flowers, stripes, and a paisley design, while the other side has the same design with the colors reversed. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025

This is the woman who was basically the poster child for Alessandro Michele’s ’70s-tinged tenure at Gucci, and who can rock a pair of amber-lensed sunglasses and a paisley coat without looking like an Elton John impersonator. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 3 June 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