tartan

[tahr-tn]

noun

1. a woolen or worsted cloth woven with stripes of different colors and widths crossing at right angles, worn chiefly by the Scottish Highlanders, each clan having its own distinctive plaid.

2. a design of such a plaid known by the name of the clan wearing it.

3. any plaid.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling tartan.

2. made of tartan.

tartan

¹

/ ˈtɑːtən /

noun

1. 1. a design of straight lines, crossing at right angles to give a chequered appearance, esp the distinctive design or designs associated with each Scottish clan

      the Buchanan tartan

   2. ( as modifier )

      a tartan kilt

2. a woollen fabric or garment with this design

3. Highland dress

tartan

²

/ ˈtɑːtən /

noun

1. a single-masted vessel used in the Mediterranean, usually with a lateen sail

Other Word Forms

• tartaned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tartan¹

1490–1500; variant of tertane < Middle French tertaine ( Old French tiretaine ) linsey-woolsey

Word History and Origins

Origin of tartan¹

C16: perhaps from Old French tertaine linsey-woolsey, from Old Spanish tiritaña a fine silk fabric, from tiritar to rustle

Origin of tartan²

C17: from French, perhaps from Provençal tartana falcon, buzzard, since a ship was frequently given the name of a bird

Example Sentences

"Back in 1998, we had this outfit with tartan trews, a pinky lilac shirt, and these tartan waistcoats, which we were so proud of," Kennedy remembers.

From BBC

There’s plenty to love about “Blood of My Blood,” especially a return to the 18th century Highlands, with tartans, castles and craggy tors aplenty.

From Los Angeles Times

The late Queen's more everyday clothes will also be on show, including riding jackets, tartan skirts and headscarves.

From BBC

Her vision for the Glasgow 2026 tartan features blue, pink and purple tones against a steel grey base inspired by the city's shipbuilding heritage.

From BBC

It is also the first real opportunity to see if Reform UK's recent successes in England can give them what they call a "tartan bounce".

From BBC

Related Words

• jumble 
• mishmash 
• plaid