tartan

noun

tar·​tan ˈtär-tᵊn How to pronounce tartan (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for tartan

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Middle French tiretaine linsey-woolsey

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tartan was circa 1500

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tartan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tartan. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

tartan

noun
tar·​tan ˈtärt-ᵊn How to pronounce tartan (audio)
1
: a plaid textile design of Scottish origin
2
: a fabric or garment with tartan design

More from Merriam-Webster on tartan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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