tartan

noun

tar·​tan ˈtär-tᵊn 

1

: a plaid textile design of Scottish origin consisting of stripes of varying width and color usually patterned to designate a distinctive clan

2

a

: a twilled woolen fabric with tartan design

b

: a fabric with tartan design

3

: a garment of tartan design

Examples of tartan in a Sentence

a kilt in the clan's tartan

Recent Examples on the Web

Hence the Cameron family tartan will weave its way through a few looks at her standing presentation. —Ari Stark, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025

Ellen is understandably heartbroken by the turn of events, and laments to Ned (Conor MacNeill) that both Colum and Dougal are offering her hand to anyone with a tartan. —Lincee Ray Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Sophisticated polka dots, gingham, stripes and tartan enlivened the look with color. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2025

The horse theme also comes through more clearly, with images of the animal embroidered into the tartan seat inserts and door panels. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Middle French tiretaine linsey-woolsey

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tartan

• carton
• garten
• marten
• parton
• quartan
• spartan
• kindergarten

Kids Definition

tartan

noun

tar·​tan ˈtärt-ᵊn 

1

: a plaid textile design of Scottish origin

2

: a fabric or garment with tartan design