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

Jones’s personal style — a quirky, at times ill-fitting wardrobe of short skirts, cleavage-revealing tops, mumsy cardigans, granny pants and long scarves — helped cement her character into an unforgettable part of noughties pop culture history. —Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026

The fashion pro pictured here went with an all-gray corporate-chic ensemble, which includes a business casual midiskirt with a sheer hemline, a trusty white tee, and a long cardigan. —Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2026

Last month, Gerber graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar wearing nothing but a cardigan wrapped around her shoulders. —Meg Walters, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026

This crewneck is soft without being sloppy, breathable without feeling flimsy, and easy to layer under a cardigan or wrap. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2026

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