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

This influence appears in the distinctive cuts, as well as in the use of burgundy stitching—a subtle nod to traditional tartans. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Nov. 2025

Add a pop of color with a red bow in tartan or gingham patterns to complete the look. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2025

The streets of Old Town Alexandria come alive with tartan and bagpipes during the traditional Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. —Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2025

Today, tartan remains elevated as a timeless, covetable wardrobe staple. —Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 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