tartan

noun

tar·​tan ˈtär-tᵊn 

1

: a plaid textile design of Scottish origin consisting of stripes of varying width and color usually patterned to designate a distinctive clan

2

a

: a twilled woolen fabric with tartan design

b

: a fabric with tartan design

3

: a garment of tartan design

Examples of tartan in a Sentence

a kilt in the clan's tartan

Recent Examples on the Web

Inside, the yellow steering wheel center line, center console stitching, and tartan touring-style front seats complete the car’s vibrant persona. —Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

The surprise guest, considered a national treasure in Scotland, has never been seen wearing tartans. —Corinna Da Fonseca-Wollheim, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

While not as remote, Radical Weavers has tartan weaving workshops in its Stirling shop, where visitors can choose their own colors for a unique tartan identity. —AFAR Media, 28 Mar. 2025

Why not create a tartan to honor those persecuted for witchcraft? —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Middle French tiretaine linsey-woolsey

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tartan

• carton
• garten
• marten
• parton
• quartan
• spartan
• kindergarten

Kids Definition

tartan

noun

tar·​tan ˈtärt-ᵊn 

1

: a plaid textile design of Scottish origin

2

: a fabric or garment with tartan design