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

Zip-up cardigans are a great way to add a fresh spin on your basic button-up sweater. —Annie Blackman, InStyle, 10 Mar. 2026

For example, this travel wrap, with more than 8,300 five-star ratings, functions as a cardigan, poncho, cape, and shawl. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

Pair them with satin pants to go full quiet luxury, or try a simple miniskirt and a light cardigan for a date-night look. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026

Censori, 31, walked into the courtroom wearing a black satin skirt and black cardigan buttoned all the way up, with her hair pulled back in a tight bun. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 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