What does lacey mean?
Lacey is an adjective describing something made with lace or having a lace-like appearance. It commonly refers to delicate fabrics, clothing, trims, and decorative details characterized by fine openwork and ornamental patterns. The word conveys an impression of lightness, elegance, intricacy, and refinement, and it is especially natural when describing bridal wear, lingerie, handkerchiefs, sleeves, or other finely worked textiles. Lacey can also be used more broadly for anything that resembles the airy, patterned quality of lace. In formal and informal English alike, it is often interchangeable with the closely related form lacy, although lacy may feel somewhat more conventional in descriptions of fabric and garments. The word is more precise than simply ornate, since its central association is with lace-like delicacy and openwork structure.
adjectiveMade with or resembling lace; delicately woven and ornamented with openwork patterns.
- Made with or resembling lace; delicately woven and ornamented with openwork patterns.
"The bride wore a lacey white gown for the ceremony."
"The lace panel at the neck of the blouse is especially attractive."
"She preferred a lacy shawl to the heavy wool coat."
Lacey captures the airy elegance of lace, describing fabric that is delicate, patterned, and intricately openwork.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lacey come from?
Lacey was formed in English from lace with the suffix -y, meaning “resembling” or “characterized by” lace. The related form lacy developed through the same general adjectival pattern and is now a common spelling variant. Both words reflect the long-established use of lace to describe fine fabric and decorative openwork, particularly in textiles.
Related word forms
How lacey is actually used
Lacey is an adjective and is often used for clothing, fabrics, trims, and decorative details. It is similar to, and sometimes used interchangeably with, lacy.
Easily confused with lacey
Lacey is an adjective meaning made with or resembling lace, while lacy is a closely related variant of the same word.