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

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

The pictures were obtained by the Daily Mail and showed Klum in a tiny Calzedonia two-piece paisley bikini. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026

The iconic '90s supermodel sported a black one-piece bathing suit with a plunging neckline and a low-cut back, while her daughter stunned in a red bikini with a white paisley print that showed off her toned abs. — Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

The Princess of Wales wore another Bellville Sassoon dress — a white off-the-shoulder chiffon piece with purple and pink pastel paisley details — to attend the Royal Variety Performance in 1984. — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 1 July 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