English Reference

Word

paisley

Phoneticspais·ley

US/ˈpeɪzɫi/

UK/pˈeɪsli/

Definition

n. a pattern of colorful, curved shapes that look like teardrops or leaves. It is often used on clothes like shirts, ties, and scarves.

n. a distinctive decorative pattern featuring colorful, curved, teardrop-shaped motifs. Derived from Persian and Indian designs, it became widely popular in Western fashion through the textile industry in Paisley, Scotland.

Examples

“He wore a blue tie with a small paisley pattern.”

“The designer chose a bold paisley fabric for the summer collection to give the dresses a vintage feel.”

“While the motif originated in ancient Persia as the 'buta', it was the 19th-century weaving industry in Scotland that cemented the name paisley in the English lexicon.”

Examples

simple

“He wore a blue tie with a small paisley pattern.”

contextual

“The designer chose a bold paisley fabric for the summer collection to give the dresses a vintage feel.”

complex

“While the motif originated in ancient Persia as the 'buta', it was the 19th-century weaving industry in Scotland that cemented the name paisley in the English lexicon.”

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the pattern in general; countable when referring to a specific design or fabric type.

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference