a soft woolen fabric woven with a pattern of colorful and minutely detailed figures.
a shawl, scarf, tie, or other article made of this fabric.
a silk print simulating this fabric and weave.
Also called paisley print. a pattern resembling the design or figure on this fabric or material.
made of paisley.
a paisley shawl.
having the pattern of a paisley.
a pattern of small curving shapes with intricate detailing, usually printed in bright colours
a soft fine wool fabric traditionally printed with this pattern
a garment made of this fabric, esp a shawl popular in the late 19th century
(modifier) of or decorated with this pattern
a paisley scarf
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)
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
First recorded in 1825–35; named after Paisley
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.
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A geriatric care worker in her late 50s, she is looking for a design in a particular shade of baby pink with a dull gold paisley motif.
From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026
He leans slightly toward his longtime comedy partner, who provides a colorful counterpoint in a quilted zip-front jacket covered in a riot of paisley patterns.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025
The ancient Persian paisley motif has long been a symbol for strength and fertility, and a brushed Zen circle filling one panel represents inner peace while doubling as a planetary emblem.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2024
Further investigation uncovered a full skeleton with a faded, paisley dress and pointed heels.
From New York Times • May 16, 2024
On the Monday after the West Charleston game, Ogden Loring stopped in front of Ben’s desk, removed his glasses and began cleaning them with his silk paisley tie.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
