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 Emme Parsons’s gold metallic sandals and Dôen’s roomy raffia tote for that effortless summer feeling—but don’t forget to bring along La Ligne’s butter-yellow cashmere cardigan for when spring temperatures dip. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2026

For a simple but stylish outfit, wear black skinny jeans with a relaxed T-shirt, a cardigan sweater, and loafers. —René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 17 Mar. 2026

Paul Anthony Kelly looked dapper in a black Chanel suit with wide lapels, as did Jeff Goldblum, who wore an embellished Chanel cardigan. —Brandi Fowler, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026

Just like fall, the early days of spring are definitely made for layering, and a cardigan sweater is the ultimate layering staple. —Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 15 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