quilt

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a bed coverlet of two layers of cloth filled with padding (such as down or batting) held in place by ties or stitched designs
2
: something that is quilted or resembles a quilt
a quilt of houses and parks

quilt

2 of 2

verb

quilted; quilting; quilts

transitive verb

1
a
: to fill, pad, or line like a quilt
b(1)
: to stitch, sew, or cover with lines or patterns like those used in quilts
(2)
: to stitch (designs) through layers of cloth
c
: to fasten between two pieces of material
2
: to stitch or sew in layers with padding in between

intransitive verb

1
: to make quilts
2
: to do quilted work
quilter noun

Examples of quilt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Shoppers raved about the many benefits to owning the quilt. Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025 Featuring knit and crochet items, baby quilts, floral arrangements, jewelry and wooden crafts. Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025
Verb
Sleep Zone Queen Cooling Mattress Pad The breathable mattress pad has three sections with quilting to support different parts of the body. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 9 July 2025 The front doors are in constant swing from neighborhood kids being dropped off at summer camps, seniors leaving a morning quilting class or adults looking to break a sweat at the expansive gym. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for quilt

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English quilte mattress, quilt, from Anglo-French coilte, from Latin culcita mattress

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of quilt was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quilt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quilt. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

quilt

1 of 2 noun
: a bed cover made of two layers of cloth with a filling of wool, cotton, or down held together by patterned stitching

quilt

2 of 2 verb
: to construct (as by padding, covering with patterns, or sewing layers together) like a quilt
quilter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on quilt

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