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argyle

American  
[ahr-gahyl] / ˈɑr gaɪl /
Or Argyle

adjective

  1. (of knitted articles) having a diamond-shaped pattern in two or more colors.


noun

  1. Knitting. a diamond-shaped pattern of two or more colors, used in knitting socks, sweaters, etc.

  2. a sock having this pattern.

argyle British  
/ ɑːˈɡaɪl /

adjective

  1. made of knitted or woven material with a diamond-shaped pattern of two or more colours

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. (often plural) a sock made of this

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of argyle

1790–1800; variant of Argyll; so called because originally patterned after the tartan of this clan

Explanation

Argyle is a specific design or pattern of different colored diamond shapes. If your grandmother visits Scotland, she might bring you back an argyle sweater. If you're preppy, you might just wear it. It's not unusual for knitters to work an argyle pattern into a sweater or a scarf, and it's particularly common for Scottish knitters. Kilts frequently come in various argyle designs, and Scottish Highlanders have traditionally worn argyle socks since the 17th century. The word itself was inspired by the tartan belonging to the Campbell clan, from Argyll in the west of Scotland.

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Vocabulary lists containing argyle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

ARGYLE, John, second Duke of, Beggar's Opera, sees the, ii.

From Life of Johnson, Volume 6 Addenda, index, dicta philosophi, etc. by Boswell, James

ARGYLE, Elizabeth Gunning, Duchess of, account of her, v.

From Life of Johnson, Volume 6 Addenda, index, dicta philosophi, etc. by Boswell, James

ARGYLE, Archibald, third Duke of, librarian, neglects his, i.

From Life of Johnson, Volume 6 Addenda, index, dicta philosophi, etc. by Boswell, James

ARGYLE, John, fifth Duke of, at Ashbourne, iii.

From Life of Johnson, Volume 6 Addenda, index, dicta philosophi, etc. by Boswell, James

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