lapel

noun

la·​pel lə-ˈpel 

: the part of a garment that is turned back

specifically : the fold of the front of a coat that is usually a continuation of the collar

lapelled adjective

or lapeled

lə-ˈpeld 

Examples of lapel in a Sentence

He wore a carnation in his lapel.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kicking things off is Midnight Blue, a single-breasted velvet dinner jacket, complete with silk-satin shawl lapels, pocket trims, and covered buttons. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026

The high-collar silhouette, a stand-up neckline that extends several inches above the shoulders with no lapel break, is showing up on runways, in mass-market store windows and across editorial coverage heading into the colder months. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Francis Ford Coppola wore his tuxedo with a little red rosette on the lapel, reflecting his status as an Officer of France’s Legion of Honor. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Cully wore a Double RL pinstripe double-breasted navy suit with a bolo tie and suede Double RL boots for the welcome night, and a Ralph Lauren Purple Label peak-lapel tuxedo for the wedding. — Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

diminutive of lap entry 1

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lapel

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

lapel

noun

la·​pel lə-ˈpel 

: the fold of the front of a coat that is usually a part of the collar