quilt

1 of 2

noun

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
2
: something that is quilted or resembles a quilt
a quilt of houses and parks

quilt

2 of 2

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

Examples of quilt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
This edition of the Top 5 looks at Ukraine’s defiant underground beauty salons, the fight for a wild butterfly population, the meaning behind the quilts crafted in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, the world of Criterion Collection, and the shifting role of the call center worker. Longreads, 1 Mar. 2024 Shop fan-favorite bedding brands like Vera Bradley and the Better Homes & Gardens collection at Walmart for quilts, duvets, and comforters starting at $55. Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2024 And they were largely made possible by people cleaning out their closets and donating old sheets, which quilters use to back the quilts, and pieces of fabric used to make the quilt tops. Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2024 Jackson left the boy in a car seat, wrapped in a quilt, between two vehicles. Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 Once a dude ranch, the 37-cabin eco-resort has mastered the tiniest touches — handwoven quilts, complimentary wine with a round of croquet — alongside Wild-West sophistication. Jacqueline Kehoe, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2024 Draped over the back of every row of seats throughout the sanctuary were quilts — 101 of them. Marni Jameson, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2024 Protect yourself from flying debris with pillows, heavy coats, blankets or quilts. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 13 Feb. 2024 Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival: Vendors, make-it and take-its, quilts displayed, special exhibits, door prize drawings. Michelle Jenkins, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024
Verb
The longline coat promises to lock in heat thanks to the brand's unique insulation technology, while the quilted exterior adds thoughtful detailing to this simple coat. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2024 Plus, its eye-catching quilted pattern is super cute. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 24 Jan. 2024 The whole Collina collection, including pastel floral latex shirts with sculpted abs and upcycled chiffon dresses with biceps and triceps quilted in, was a flex. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024 Accessories included a striking diamond necklace, diamond earrings, a black leather quilted shoulder bag and black and white ankle-strap pumps. Alex Kessler, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2024 Venders of live cuttlefish and quilted hemp linens in the traditional market. E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2024 The 50 rooms and suites have views of the Historic District, Savannah River and City Hall and were designed with total comfort in mind, from the fine linens to the quilted bathrobes. Catherine Garcia, theweek, 26 Jan. 2024 Canada Goose Abbot Down Jacket $795 $630 This Abbott Down Jacket stands out with its fashionable quilted design, which is complemented by a stand-up collar that brings an extra element of warmth. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 19 Jan. 2024 In support of that suggestion, a 2014 study by Denise C. Park of the University of Texas at Dallas and colleagues demonstrated that learning to quilt or do digital photography enhanced memory function in older adults. Jane E. Brody, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quilt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of quilt was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near quilt

Cite this Entry

“Quilt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quilt. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

quilt

1 of 2 noun
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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