# paisley

/ˈpeɪzɫi/ (US) · /pˈeɪsli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/paisley
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.