cardigan

noun

car·​di·​gan ˈkär-di-gən 

: a usually collarless sweater or jacket that opens the full length of the center front

Examples of cardigan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This knit matching set includes a chunky cardigan with contrast whipstitching and matching straight-leg pants. —Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

Its designs stay on top of what’s current while still feeling elegant and wearable, and wardrobe staples like cardigans, jogger sweatpants, and cult-favorite Super Puff jackets show up constantly in teen carts. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 12 Dec. 2025

Pack this chunky cardigan at the top of your tote to put on when the plane gets chilly or to channel the main character from your favorite old-school rom-com on those cozy cabin weekends away. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2025

Modern Ladylike Whether you’re headed uptown or sticking to your downtown zip code, embrace a modern ladylike mindset this winter with Ralph Lauren’s fringe-trim midiskirt, Theory’s charming cashmere cardigan, and Chloé’s satin pillbox hat. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan †1868 English soldier

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cardigan

noun

car·​di·​gan ˈkärd-i-gən 

: a usually collarless sweater opening down the front

Geographical Definition

Cardigan

geographical name

Car·​di·​gan ˈkär-di-gən 

variants or Cardiganshire

ˈkär-di-gən-ˌshir 

-shər

former county of western Wales; capital Aberystwyth