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

Barbour has taken over Dean’s, the new British joint on Sixth Avenue and West Houston, from October 10 through 14, giving the place a shadow-tartan makeover. — Air Mail, 10 Oct. 2026

Russell paired a tartan cape with a pair of jeans and a heeled mule, watching as Boyd worked her own Barbour ensemble for photos. — Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Textile expert Audrey Henshall suggested that the cloth—which became known as the Ulster tartan—had probably been woven in County Donegal. — Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

The sport seats are clad in a modern interpretation of the distinctive tartan pattern of the GTI heritage. — New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2026

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
• 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