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

Some wore clinical white coats, others friendly cardigans. —Joseph Coughlin, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

Style yours with a cardigan, straight-leg jeans, and a trench coat for a look that’s elevated yet easy. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 21 July 2025

The cardigan, which was layered over a plain white tank top, was worn off the shoulder and sat slouchy on her shoulders. —Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 19 July 2025

For the moment, expect to find such Thom Browne classics as the 4-bar cardigan, which takes its cues from midcentury collegiate and sports uniforms. —Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 18 July 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