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 Laced with history and draped in tartan, 100 Princes Street feels like the private townhouse of a Victorian-era Scottish explorer. Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2024 In a personal touch, the cake also had Russell’s family tartan ribbon decorating it as well. Alex Ross, Peoplemag, 13 July 2024 Part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection — a group that includes Ashford Castle in Ireland and The Milestone Hotel & Residences in London — the 30-room property is intimate, cozy, and decidedly Scottish (note: the custom Araminta Campbell tartan wallcoverings, bedspreads, and upholstery). Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2024 Model Amelia Gray sported a twisted dress in tartan wool and a leather bag, both designed by McGirr for fall 2024 in Paris during Couture Fashion Week. Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for tartan 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tartan.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near tartan

Cite this Entry

“Tartan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tartan. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

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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