lapel

[ luh-pel ]

noun

1. either of the two parts of a garment folded back on the chest, especially a continuation of a coat collar.

lapel

/ ləˈpɛl /

noun

1. the continuation of the turned or folded back collar on a suit coat, jacket, etc

Derived Forms

• laˈpelled, adjective

Other Words From

• la·pelled adjective
• la·pelless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lapel¹

1780–90; irregular diminutive of lap ¹; -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of lapel¹

C18: from lap ¹

Example Sentences

These days, servers wear discreet V-shaped pins on their lapels, showing that they’re vaccinated, while diners need not show proof of vaccination.

From Washington Post

Then he showed up for the championship game Monday night wearing a Jayhawks pin on his jacket lapel.

From Washington Post

Varahn, who has a broad, serious face and a sleek bob, dressed for the occasion in crisp two-piece suits with lapels.

From ProPublica

At various times, we had spoken about honors--Hitchcock had been awarded the Légion d'Honneur and wore a ribbon in his lapel.

From The Daily Beast

She had on a blue boy-coat, and to the right lapel was fastened a three-inch red cloth 9, Howe's number.

From The Daily Beast

Shooting The Comancheros in 1961, Wayne spotted a JFK button on the lapel of the future screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz.

From The Daily Beast

A campaign button on his lapel showed him in a smile and a suit, and advertised his name and lever.

From The Daily Beast

He wore the official political uniform: a dark suit, a lapis blue tie and a white shirt—and, of course, a flag-pin on his lapel.

From The Daily Beast

I broke right into his story and seized the lapel of his waistcoat as though he were my dearest friend.

From Project Gutenberg

To the lapel of his coat they had pinned a paper on which was written, "The fate that awaits all Kansas Jayhawkers."

From Project Gutenberg

The pale glow of light which came from that powder smudge on Carlson's lapel was no longer visible!

From Project Gutenberg

That face powder came from the cheek of a woman—some woman who pressed her cheek against Carlson's lapel.

From Project Gutenberg

High on the left lapel of his dark suit coat was a white smudge made by some sort of powder.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pleat