paisley

¹ American  

[peyz-lee] / ˈpeɪz li /

Or Paisley

noun

plural

paisleys

1. a soft woolen fabric woven with a pattern of colorful and minutely detailed figures.

2. a shawl, scarf, tie, or other article made of this fabric.

3. a silk print simulating this fabric and weave.

4. Also called paisley print.  a pattern resembling the design or figure on this fabric or material.

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adjective

1. made of paisley.

   a paisley shawl.

2. having the pattern of a paisley.

Paisley ² American  

[peyz-lee] / ˈpeɪz li /

noun

1. a city in the Strathclyde region, in SW Scotland, W of Glasgow: thread factories.

2. paisley.

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paisley ¹ British  

/ ˈpeɪzlɪ /

noun

1. a pattern of small curving shapes with intricate detailing, usually printed in bright colours

2. a soft fine wool fabric traditionally printed with this pattern

3. a garment made of this fabric, esp a shawl popular in the late 19th century

4. (modifier) of or decorated with this pattern

   a paisley scarf

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Paisley ² British  

/ ˈpeɪzlɪ /

noun

1. Bob. 1919–96, English footballer and manager: played for Liverpool (1939–54); under his management (1974–83) Liverpool won six English titles and the European Cup three times (1977, 1978, 1981)

2. Ian ( Richard Kyle ) Baron. born 1926, Northern Ireland politician and Presbyterian minister; cofounder (1972) and leader of the Ulster Democratic Unionist Party, First Minister of Northern Ireland from 2007 to 2008

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Paisley ³ British  

/ ˈpeɪzlɪ /

noun

1. an industrial town in SW Scotland, the administrative centre of Renfrewshire: one of the world's chief centres for the manufacture of thread, linen, and gauze in the 19th century. Pop: 74 170 (2001)

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Etymology

Origin of paisley

First recorded in 1825–35; named after Paisley

Explanation

If your favorite scarf is printed with a pattern consisting of shapes that look like drops of water, you are a fan of paisley and its swirly curves and colors. This Scottish toponym, or place name, (from the town of Paisley, in Renfrewshire) denotes a fabric design that was massively manufactured there in the 19th century. A paisley design itself is Middle Eastern in origin though, having traveled to Europe in the colonial period and become so popular that import could not meet demand.

Example Sentences

Further investigation uncovered a full skeleton with a faded, paisley dress and pointed heels.

From New York Times • May 16, 2024

One minute, Ben-Adir would be prancing around to I'm Just Ken, the next he'd be hunched over in his paisley shirt, studying the cadences of Redemption Song.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2024

But, he said people should not expect to see astronauts in "paisley spacesuits or any fancy patterns like that. Maintaining a good thermal environment is really the critical thing".

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2023

We were allowed Black hair accessories, though, so one day, I decided to wear my paisley bandana.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2023

I caught it in my hand and readjusted the black paisley swatch over my face.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline