quilt

1 of 2

noun

ˈkwilt 

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

b

: patchwork quilt sense 1

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

European Linen Stripe Quilt If part of your fall bedding upgrade includes incorporating more colors and patterns into your space, this striped quilt comes in multiple neutral shades and is a mid-weight option for cooler months. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025

Along a dirt road off the narrow highway that hugs the northern shore the taro leaves extend like waving hands from the quilt of rectangular pools so shallow that the birds in them stand with their leg joints exposed. —Matt Negrin, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025

Verb

Cue the regal quilted Flora floor-length dress with a high collar and zipped up in the front or, in a stunning dark version for La Contessa, the floral pattern is rendered on a black background and has leg-of-lamb sleeves. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 Sep. 2025

Find quilted bedding that will be the perfect transitional fabric for this in-between weather while days may still be warm but nights are finally cool. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2025

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

Phrases Containing quilt

• crazy quilt
• patchwork quilt

Rhymes for quilt

• built
• gilt
• guilt
• hilt
• kilt
• lilt
• milt
• silt
• spilt
• stilt
• tilt
• wilt

Kids Definition

quilt

1 of 2 noun

ˈkwilt 

: 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