tartan

noun

tar·​tan ˈtär-tᵊn 

1

: a plaid textile design of Scottish origin consisting of stripes of varying width and color usually patterned to designate a distinctive clan

2

a

: a twilled woolen fabric with tartan design

b

: a fabric with tartan design

3

: a garment of tartan design

Examples of tartan in a Sentence

a kilt in the clan's tartan

Recent Examples on the Web

An aura of rebellious Britishness radiated through the bold clash of tartans, black leather motorcycle jackets, and ornate embellishments that evoked the iconic style of Pearly Kings and Queens. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Mar. 2025

Nicholas Hoult continues his impeccable style run at the Burberry Winter 2025 show during London Fashion Week on Feb. 24. 07 of 120 Everything's Coming Up Rosie Rosie Huntington-Whiteley pairs her Burberry tartan with a bright red bomber jacket for London Fashion Week on Feb. 24. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

Must-have pieces: Checks and tartan, tapisserie print, brushed and textured knitted pieces, enveloping coats, countryside coats, artisanal knits, dressy countryside dresses and leather jackets. —Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025

At noon, guests can see the welcoming ceremonies with pipe and drum bands and a parade of tartans. —Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Middle French tiretaine linsey-woolsey

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tartan

• carton
• garten
• marten
• parton
• quartan
• spartan
• kindergarten

Kids Definition

tartan

noun

tar·​tan ˈtärt-ᵊn 

1

: a plaid textile design of Scottish origin

2

: a fabric or garment with tartan design