plaid

American  

[plad] / plæd /

noun

1. any fabric woven of differently colored yarns in a crossbarred pattern.

2. a pattern of this kind.

3. a long, rectangular piece of cloth, usually with such a pattern and worn across the left shoulder by Scottish Highlanders.

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adjective

1. having the pattern of a plaid.

plaid British  

/ plæd, pleɪd /

noun

1. a long piece of cloth of a tartan pattern, worn over the shoulder as part of Highland costume

2. 1. a crisscross weave or cloth

   2. ( as modifier )

      a plaid scarf

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Etymology

Origin of plaid

1505–15; < Scots Gaelic plaide blanket, plaid plaid ( def. 3 )

Explanation

Plaid describes the crisscross pattern found on a Scottish kilt or a punk rocker’s pants. It can be a kind of cloth woven with the design, or a name for the design itself. Fashion-wise, it’s a bold but versatile pattern. Plaid is traditionally made from wool or flannel with a multi-colored tartan design — in other words, a pattern of vertical and horizontal bands of color. These days, every kind of clothing is available in plaid, from socks to skirts to scarves. In English-speaking countries other than the US, plaid is more likely to be called tartan, in fact. In Scotland, a plaid is actually a traditional blanket-like garment, and in Gaelic, plaide means "blanket."

Example Sentences

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth told his supporters the Welsh election was "going down to the wire".

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Back in Cardiff, 65-year-old retired teacher Ceri James says he will vote for Plaid because of their "positive" messaging.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Plaid Cymru also highlights growth and productivity, but places more emphasis on skills, worker involvement and industrial strategy.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

Plaid Cymru's leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said he was in favour of a "road answer" to congestion on the M4 when he appeared in a Walesonline election debate.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

It is not in a clannish view,    For clans are naught to me, But ’tis our ancient Tartan Plaid    I dearly love to see.

From Revised Edition of Poems by Bill o'th' Hoylus End