quilt

1 of 3

noun (1)

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 3

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

quilter

3 of 3

noun (2)

quilt·​er

ˈkwiltə(r)

plural -s

1

: one that quilts

2

: a sewing machine attachment for quilting

Examples of quilt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

He was welcomed back by his colleagues with a surprise party at the North Division, and he was given a quilt from Quilts for Cops. — Mary Ella Hastings july 21, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026

The presentation blends stories, historical context and quilt traditions to see how textiles are powerful tools for communication, telling stories and preserving culture. — La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2026

Verb

That cover is made of 10-millimeter-thick cotton quilted with a reflective casing that blocks heat from the sun instead of absorbing it. — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026

The signature quilted exterior includes four more pockets, so everything is within reach. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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