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

Jennifer Lawrence served transitional wardrobe inspiration all the way back in April, pairing a yellow Beatles T-shirt by Junk Food with straight-leg jeans, a tomato-red cardigan, and slim Adidas sneakers with matching red stripes. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2026

The line features apparel and accessories for babies, including cardigans, rompers, onesies, and other everyday basics. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 9 Aug. 2026

Wear it on its own during hot summer days or layer it under a striped button-down or a cardigan when temperatures cool off. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026

Get the perfect lowkey look by pairing it with sneakers and a sun hat, then swap out your shoes for cute sandals and a cardigan in the evening. — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 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