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

This translates to the Gap cardigan sweater and the Levi’s shorts paired with the flats for a simple, slightly elevated look that feels comfortable. —Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2026

The soft, chiffon-style fabric is lightweight and breathable, and the short-sleeve design is easy to layer with a cardigan or denim jacket on cooler days. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026

For a recent sighting in New York, the actress teamed a bold red cardigan and bright yellow graphic T-shirt together, grounded by straight-leg blue jeans and her trusted Adidas Tokyo sneakers. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026

Rainey and MacDowell matched tees and cardigans at a L'Oreal volunteer event in June 2009. —Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 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