plaid

noun

Synonyms of plaidnext
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
b
: a pattern of unevenly spaced repeated stripes crossing at right angles
plaid adjective
plaided adjective

Examples of plaid in a Sentence

She likes to wear plaids.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The white and green or pink and white plaid patterns offer an alternative to florals that still feels perfectly spring-like. Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Apr. 2026 Officials in Ramsey County, Minnesota, on Monday announced a criminal investigation into the arrest of ChongLy Thao, a US citizen caught in a viral photo as immigration agents walked him out of his home in freezing weather wearing little more than Crocs, shorts, and a plaid blanket. Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026 For the royal family's annual Christmas gathering at Sandringham, the Wales family coordinated in blue and green plaid ensembles. Emma Banks, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026 Storm Reid suits up in plaid while out and about in New York City on April 8. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plaid

Word History

Etymology

Scottish Gaelic plaide

First Known Use

1512, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plaid was in 1512

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plaid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaid. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

plaid

noun
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
b
: a pattern of unevenly spaced repeated stripes crossing at right angles
plaid adjective

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