tartan

American  

[tahr-tn] / ˈtɑr 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.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling tartan.

2. made of tartan.

tartan ¹ British  

/ 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

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tartan ² British  

/ ˈtɑːtən /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• tartaned adjective

Etymology

Origin of tartan

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

Example Sentences

The Ramones had songs based on “Saturday Night,” and they dressed in the tartan plaids of Queens, which is the black leather jackets.

From Los Angeles Times

She wore a tartan outfit with powerful shoulder pads and a full skirt.

From BBC

Watched on by Stella McCartney and Skepta, her show featured vibrant red and blue hues and eye-catching multicolour tartan dresses and skirts with matching hats and ties.

From BBC

A new version would have more tartan than a shortbread factory.

From BBC

"There was Stewart tartan everywhere, the waistcoats, kilts and the dresses."

From BBC

Related Words

• jumble
• mishmash
• plaid