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

Pair it with flat sandals and a woven bag for exploring a new city, or transition to cooler temps with a cardigan or denim jacket. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025

For a chic courtside look, tie a cardigan or sweater over your shoulders and top it off with crew socks and sporty white sneakers — perfect for everything from watching the US Open to running errands. —Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 27 June 2025

Thankfully, long, knit, or sheer cardigans like Lawrence’s are so hot right now, pun intended, and a must-have for transitional summer dressing (the transition being from outdoors to indoors). —Sam Reed, Glamour, 24 June 2025

Marisa Abela wore a cardigan and Pink Ladies varsity jacket that belonged to Amy Winehouse for the 2024 film on the late singer-songwriter. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 18 June 2025

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