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

Read on for 46 fall sweaters to add to your suitcase, from plush cashmere crewnecks to classic cardigans that will last for years. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025

That can look like a pair of cowboy boots and a fringe cardigan, like this crochet style. —Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025

For more lightweight sweaters and cardigans to style this fall, check out more of our favorite picks from Amazon Essentials and more below to complete your wardrobe for the season. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025

There are currently 75,000 guests that have signed up for notifications on restocks, and the brand’s slouchy cardigan sold out in less than two minutes, the brand said. —James Manso, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 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