argyle
Americanadjective
noun
-
Knitting. a diamond-shaped pattern of two or more colors, used in knitting socks, sweaters, etc.
-
a sock having this pattern.
adjective
noun
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.
Vocabulary lists containing argyle
The Hate U Give
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Down and Across
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Each Tiny Spark
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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.
They were also there in my oddest hours — I once wore an argyle tie for an entire year in hopes of impressing a certain woman, and they never made me change.
From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025
Dean, 25, wore a stiff shirt, cravat, argyle jumper and pinstripe team blazer.
From BBC • Feb. 13, 2024
A chunky scoop of yellow even bounced onto his argyle sweater — and, yes, he ate that too.
From Salon • Sep. 19, 2023
Knitwear can be oversized or slim, at times featuring the season’s motif, the argyle.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 17, 2022
Then Mrs. Walton picks out some shirts: a red silk blouse with black buttons, an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt, and an argyle polo shirt.
From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
