cardigan

noun

car·​di·​gan ˈkär-di-gən 

: a usually collarless sweater or jacket that opens the full length of the center front

Examples of cardigan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Her black turtleneck is a simple outfit starter that keeps you warm and is easy to layer under cardigans or jackets. —Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025

Paired with a leather jacket, a cozy cardigan, or even denim, slips work beautifully for everything from work to holiday parties to dinner dates. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 20 Dec. 2025

Best Fashion Deals Style your winter wardrobe with cozy cardigans and more. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025

Locals layer them with blazers and cardigans, or pair them with wide-leg jeans and sneakers for a casual everyday look. —Leila Najafi, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan †1868 English soldier

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cardigan

noun

car·​di·​gan ˈkärd-i-gən 

: a usually collarless sweater opening down the front

Geographical Definition

Cardigan

geographical name

Car·​di·​gan ˈkär-di-gən 

variants or Cardiganshire

ˈkär-di-gən-ˌshir 

-shər

former county of western Wales; capital Aberystwyth