quilt

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkwilt 

1

a

: a bed coverlet of two layers of cloth filled with padding (such as down or batting) held in place by ties or stitched designs

b

: patchwork quilt sense 1

2

: something that is quilted or resembles a quilt

a quilt of houses and parks

quilt

2 of 3

verb

quilted; quilting; quilts

transitive verb

1

a

: to fill, pad, or line like a quilt

b(1)

: to stitch, sew, or cover with lines or patterns like those used in quilts

(2)

: to stitch (designs) through layers of cloth

c

: to fasten between two pieces of material

2

: to stitch or sew in layers with padding in between

intransitive verb

1

: to make quilts

2

: to do quilted work

quilter noun

quilter

3 of 3

noun (2)

quilt·​er

ˈkwiltə(r)

plural -s

1

: one that quilts

2

: a sewing machine attachment for quilting

Examples of quilt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Pemberton’s mixed-media works will be on display, ranging from paintings to quilts. — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026

Start with this quilt set that’s lightweight but comfy for fall, then snag these ever-popular bed pillows with plush filling that shoppers compare to fluffy clouds. — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2026

Verb

Catrielle Barnett, a rising senior at the Academy of Art University, uses quilting to explore care, survival and historical continuity. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026

There’s something to do almost every day of the week for quilting aficionados. — Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English quilte mattress, quilt, from Anglo-French coilte, from Latin culcita mattress

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing quilt

• crazy quilt
• patchwork quilt

Rhymes for quilt

• built
• gilt
• guilt
• hilt
• kilt
• lilt
• milt
• silt
• spilt
• stilt
• tilt
• wilt

Kids Definition

quilt

1 of 2 noun

ˈkwilt 

: a bed cover made of two layers of cloth with a filling of wool, cotton, or down held together by patterned stitching

quilt

2 of 2 verb

: to construct (as by padding, covering with patterns, or sewing layers together) like a quilt

quilter noun