kilt

[kilt]

noun

1. any short, pleated skirt, especially a tartan wraparound, as that worn by men in the Scottish Highlands.

verb (used with object)

1. to draw or tuck up, as the skirt, about oneself.

2. to provide (a skirt) with kilt pleats.

kilt

/ kɪlt /

noun

1. a knee-length pleated skirt-like garment, esp one in tartan, as worn by men in Highland dress

verb

1. to tuck (a skirt) up around one's body

2. to put pleats in (cloth, a skirt, etc)

Other Word Forms

• kiltlike adjective
• kilted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kilt¹

1300–50; Middle English kylte, perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish kilte to tuck up

Word History and Origins

Origin of kilt¹

C18: of Scandinavian origin; compare Danish kilte to tuck up, Old Swedish kilta lap

Example Sentences

The Scottish bonds have been nicknamed "kilts" – a play on the word gilt, which refers to bonds issued by the UK government.

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A kilt might not be the first thing on your list when you're a TV superstar packing for an autumnal holiday in Scotland.

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There was a celebrated Royal opening in 2004 where I remember one hard-nosed journalist marvelling at what had been achieved by this "dapper wee man in a kilt".

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With tourists comes tourist shops, and BBC Scotland News walked the length of the Royal Mile to count up a total of 72 stores, selling everything from kilts to Highland cow fridge magnets.

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Visitors said that a man wearing a kilt attempted to smash through the stone's display case at about 14:00 on Saturday.

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Related Words

• dress 
• petticoat 
• sarong