: 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
Examples of lapel in a Sentence
He wore a carnation in his lapel.
Recent Examples on the Web
Next to the lapel on the left shoulder of her jacket was her Raspberry Pip brooch with gold and silver detailing.
—
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Dec. 2025
Perhaps most notably, lapels may also be played with, the standard options being the sharp and more formal peaked lapel, or the slightly louche and rakish shawl.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2025
In the image, Epstein stands next to Jackson, who's wearing a black blazer with a white flower on the lapel, his eyes obscured by dark glasses.
—Amy McCarthy, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025
The knee-length style features a notched lapel, handy side pockets, a single button-front closure, and an oversized fit that leaves room for chunky sweaters and hoodies underneath.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lapel
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Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Dec. 2025
Perhaps most notably, lapels may also be played with, the standard options being the sharp and more formal peaked lapel, or the slightly louche and rakish shawl.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2025
In the image, Epstein stands next to Jackson, who's wearing a black blazer with a white flower on the lapel, his eyes obscured by dark glasses.
—Amy McCarthy, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025
The knee-length style features a notched lapel, handy side pockets, a single button-front closure, and an oversized fit that leaves room for chunky sweaters and hoodies underneath.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lapel
Cite this Entry
“Lapel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lapel. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lapel
noun
la·pel
lə-ˈpel 
: the fold of the front of a coat that is usually a part of the collar
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