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

Thanks to the sleeveless top, this dress is wearable most of the year—just add a cardigan in the fall or a jean jacket in the spring. — Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2026

Any of these scenarios would be a good excuse to slip on Quince’s cotton cashmere cardigan, a lightweight and packable piece that won’t take up much space even in your tote bag. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

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

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