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

While brushing her teeth, Sweeny snapped a photo of herself in a gray cardigan, buttoned half-way down. — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

That’s where Celine designer Michael Rider showed various iterations of voluminous pants that bloom and pool at the ankle, pairing them with slim sweaters, tailored suit jackets, blazers, and cardigans. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 21 July 2026

Plus, its non-bulky design is easy to layer under cardigans, denim jackets, and blazers once fall arrives. — Taylor Jean Stephan, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

The Lucky star stepped out in a midriff-baring cardigan layered over a vibrant purple bra and a velvet floral jacquard skirt. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 18 July 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