plaid

noun

ˈplad 

1

: a rectangular length of tartan worn over the left shoulder as part of the Scottish national costume

2

a

: a twilled woolen fabric with a tartan pattern

b

: a fabric with a pattern of tartan or an imitation of tartan

3

a

: tartan sense 1

b

: a pattern of unevenly spaced repeated stripes crossing at right angles

plaid adjective

plaided

ˈpla-dəd 

adjective

Examples of plaid in a Sentence

She likes to wear plaids.

Recent Examples on the Web

The long sleeves and front of the collared jacket were covered in vibrant plaid scraps, gingham pieces, ruffles, and floral embroidery, adding playful color and texture to her look. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 1 June 2026

Likewise, in fashion, bandanas, plaid shirts, prairie skirts, and Western boots have been busy infiltrating our wardrobes. —Elle Turner, Glamour, 31 May 2026

Some are enhanced with plaid, Prince of Wales checks and corduroy constructions. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

The subtle plaid feels warm and homey while still looking elevated and timeless, and the tones blend seamlessly with everything else in the room. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Scottish Gaelic plaide

First Known Use

1512, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing plaid

• buffalo plaid
• glen plaid

Rhymes for plaid

• ad
• add
• bad
• brad
• cad
• clad
• dad
• fad
• gad
• glad
• grad
• had

Kids Definition

plaid

noun

ˈplad 

1

: a rectangular length of tartan worn over the shoulder as part of the Scottish national costume

2

: a fabric with a tartan pattern

3

a

: tartan sense 1

b

: a pattern of unevenly spaced repeated stripes crossing at right angles

plaid adjective