quilt

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a bed coverlet of two layers of cloth filled with padding (such as down or batting) held in place by ties or stitched designs
2
: something that is quilted or resembles a quilt
a quilt of houses and parks

quilt

2 of 2

verb

quilted; quilting; quilts

transitive verb

1
a
: to fill, pad, or line like a quilt
b(1)
: to stitch, sew, or cover with lines or patterns like those used in quilts
(2)
: to stitch (designs) through layers of cloth
c
: to fasten between two pieces of material
2
: to stitch or sew in layers with padding in between

intransitive verb

1
: to make quilts
2
: to do quilted work
quilter noun

Examples of quilt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
From the smallest objects covered in hand-sewn beads to huge blankets and quilts, the walls and tables show the many talents of our area. Sam Boyer, cleveland, 16 Sep. 2023 Decorate with Vintage Textiles Old grain sacks and tea towels make perfect pillowcases, and old quilts can be beautiful wall hangings in an otherwise modern space. Jamie Lott, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2023 In one guest bedroom, an exuberant scrolling red wallpaper covers the wall from floor to ceiling, complemented by a pair of Japanese indigo quilts. Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 22 Aug. 2023 The neighborhood’s home to an endearing quilt of folks. Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 14 Aug. 2023 Relax in one of 10 guest rooms with four-poster beds and handmade quilts, or sample the restaurant’s seasonal dishes like wild mushroom strudel with truffle aioli and herb salad. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2023 In a traditional Dutch canal house, a creative strategist organizes a dinner party to introduce a new collection inspired by her mother’s homeland. - Host Gift Guide: What T’s editors and contributors are bringing to thank their hosts this summer, including surreal serving spoons and cozy quilts. Monica Khemsurov, New York Times, 28 July 2023 The new quilt and throw blanket come just in time to snuggle up on chilly fall nights. Lauren Taylor, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2023 The patterns were stitched together in Mississippi and elsewhere in quilts intended to reflect Black struggles, solidarity and history. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2023
Verb
The silhouette is quilted for a flattering fit, and the jacket has ruffles at the hems and zipper to elevate it from other basic black coats. Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 1 Sep. 2023 The black nappa leather upholstery features orange contrasting stitching and a diamond quilted pattern. Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 16 Aug. 2023 The next subsection jumps to quilting in the United States, followed by brief interludes on the Hopi-Tewa potter Nampeyo, the Native and African American sculptor Edmonia Lewis, and the Japanese ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Ōi. Jillian Steinhauer, The New Republic, 21 Aug. 2023 The singers embraced while wrapped in a brown quilted Gucci blanket and wore matching Gucci outfits. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2023 Bentley’s iconic quilted interiors are getting a green upgrade. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2023 Vera Bradley Mini Hipster Vera Bradley’s classic quilted style gets an upgrade with this adjustable crossbody bag that has RFID protection for six cards and an ID. Lauren Fischer, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2023 Combine the shiplap with cool concrete floors, quilted bedding, and a hide rug for a more ranch-style sanctuary. Andrea Crowley, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023 The actor was first photographed wearing the cream double-breasted jacket, featuring a quilted lapel, while attending a White House state dinner with her son Maddox back in April. Emily Chan, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quilt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English quilte mattress, quilt, from Anglo-French coilte, from Latin culcita mattress

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of quilt was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near quilt

Cite this Entry

“Quilt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quilt. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

quilt

1 of 2 noun
: a bed cover made of two layers of cloth with a filling of wool, cotton, or down held together by patterned stitching

quilt

2 of 2 verb
: to construct (as by padding, covering with patterns, or sewing layers together) like a quilt
quilter noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!