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

With its casual drawstring waist, consider this one the foundation of your spring wardrobe—styled with a timeless trench, cardigan, and suede loafers for office hours, or with a thong-heeled sandal and a going-out top for warm nights ahead. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026

Van Beirendonck gravitates toward loud prints in bright colors and allusions to BDSM, whereas Van Saene makes elegant cocktail dresses for women with bow details and shrunken cardigans. —Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026

This translated into quarter zips and cardigans perfect for watching the fog roll in off the Bay in San Francisco, but not perfect for being especially fashionable. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 27 Mar. 2026

The brand carries elevated basics like lightweight cardigans , sweater tanks , shrugs , and the cutest wide-leg jeans , for affordable prices. —Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 22 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