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

Kirundo 3-piece Lounge Set The cropped tank, long cardigan, and drawstring joggers in this Kirundo set strike the perfect balance between cozy and stylish. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025

Merokeety Long‑Sleeve Cardigan Sweater There’s not much that’s comfier than slipping into an oversized sweater in the fall, and this cardigan is no exception. —Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025

For more lightweight sweaters and cardigans to style this fall, check out more of our favorite picks from Amazon Essentials and more below to complete your wardrobe for the season. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025

There are currently 75,000 guests that have signed up for notifications on restocks, and the brand’s slouchy cardigan sold out in less than two minutes, the brand said. —James Manso, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 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