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noun Uncommon

paisley

PAYZ-lee
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Paisley (noun) means a decorative pattern of curved, teardrop-shaped swirls. Example: “He wore a tie printed with a classic paisley pattern.”

noun
1
A decorative pattern of curved, teardrop-shaped swirls.
"He wore a tie printed with a classic paisley pattern."
adjective
1
Decorated with this swirling teardrop pattern.
"She bought a paisley scarf for the winter."

How to use paisley

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe swirly, droplet-shaped print seen on scarves, ties, and fabric.

Common pairings
paisley print paisley pattern paisley shirt
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Word forms

Plural
paisleys
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Fill the gap

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He wore a tie printed with a classic _____ pattern.

Etymology

Named after the town of Paisley in Scotland, once famous for weaving fabric with this pattern.

Rhymes for paisley

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Frequently asked questions

What does “paisley” mean?
The word “paisley” means a decorative pattern of curved, teardrop-shaped swirls. In plain terms, the swirly, droplet-shaped print seen on scarves, ties, and fabric.
How do you pronounce “paisley”?
“Paisley” is pronounced PAYZ-lee (/ˈpeɪzli/ in IPA).
How do you use “paisley” in a sentence?
Here is “paisley” used in a sentence: “He wore a tie printed with a classic paisley pattern.”
What part of speech is “paisley”?
Depending on how it is used, “paisley” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “paisley” a common word?
“Paisley” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “paisley” have?
“Paisley” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a decorative pattern of curved, teardrop-shaped swirls.