noun
lapel
luh-PEHL
noun
1
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 notesIn 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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Etymology
From "lap" plus the diminutive ending "-el" — literally a little fold or flap.