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

The aesthetic is defined by deep red and forest green tartans, warm lighting, elevated accents, and sophisticated dinnerware that evokes classic holiday charm with a polished Americana flair. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025

Conservative Burberry got sexy by putting its tartan pattern on bikinis. —Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025

Subtle details such as a a tartan lining or a matching top-stitch on the jeans can make the pieces feel even more unique from a wearer’s perspective, Gayot adds. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025

Swift opted for Miu Miu's $2,350 pleated tartan miniskirt and carried Dior's $3,450 Montaigne Avenue Top Handle Bag with gold hardware. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 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