noun

lapel

luh-PEHL

Lapel (noun) means one of the two folded-back flaps of cloth on the front of a jacket or coat, running down from the collar. Example: “He tucked a poppy pin into his lapel before the ceremony.”

noun

One of the two folded-back flaps of cloth on the front of a jacket or coat, running down from the collar.

"He tucked a poppy pin into his lapel before the ceremony."

"The tailor made sure both lapels lay perfectly flat."

How to use lapel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe folded triangular piece of fabric on the front of a jacket, just below the collar.

Common pairings

lapel pin jacket lapel wide lapels

Word forms

lapels plural

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He tucked a poppy pin into his _____ before the ceremony.

Etymology

From "lap" plus the diminutive ending "-el" — literally a little fold or flap.

Rhymes for lapel

chapel Whitechapel

See all rhymes for lapel →

Frequently asked questions

What does “lapel” mean?

The word “lapel” means one of the two folded-back flaps of cloth on the front of a jacket or coat, running down from the collar. In plain terms, the folded triangular piece of fabric on the front of a jacket, just below the collar.

How do you pronounce “lapel”?

“Lapel” is pronounced luh-PEHL (/ləˈpɛl/ in IPA).

How do you use “lapel” in a sentence?

Here is “lapel” used in a sentence: “He tucked a poppy pin into his lapel before the ceremony.”

What part of speech is “lapel”?

“Lapel” is a noun.