lapel

American  

[luh-pel] / ləˈpɛl /

noun

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

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lapel British  

/ ləˈpɛl /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• lapelled adjective
• lapelless adjective

Etymology

Origin of lapel

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

Explanation

A lapel is the front part of a jacket or suit coat that's folded back. Your jacket's lapel is connected to your collar. Fancy or dressy men's clothing tends to have lapels — the tuxedo you wear to your uncle's wedding might have a satin lapel, for example. The suits that businessmen (and often women) wear also have lapels. Lapels come in different shapes and widths, although they almost always have a buttonhole on the left side, originally intended for wearing a flower. These days only prom- and wedding-goers tend to stick a flower in their lapel.

Example Sentences

With Trump’s planned attendance Saturday night at the Washington Hilton, some reporters have said they’ll wear pocket handkerchiefs or lapel pins prominently displaying the words of the First Amendment.

From Salon • Apr. 24, 2026

In portraits in homes and classrooms, in photographs on the front page of the country’s main party newspaper, on lapel badges pinned over citizens’ hearts, Kim’s image became synonymous with the state.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Its members of parliament have taken to wearing a golden noose-shaped lapel pin.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Bee devices are worn on the wrist, belt or lapel, and primarily function as an assistant by taking notes, offering reminders and keeping calendars.

From Barron's • Jan. 11, 2026

In anticipation of victory, he had broken his strict mourning and placed a red rose in the buttonhole of his lapel.

From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende

Related Words

• pleat