Dictionary

tartan

noun tar·tan \ˈtär-t^ən\

: a traditional Scottish cloth pattern of stripes in different colors and widths that cross each other to form squares

: fabric with a tartan pattern

Full Definition of TARTAN

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

a : a twilled woolen fabric with tartan design

b : a fabric with tartan design

: a garment of tartan design

See tartan defined for English-language learners

See tartan defined for kids

perhaps from Middle French tiretaine linsey-woolsey

First Known Use: circa 1500

TARTAN Defined for Kids

noun tar·tan \ˈtär-t^ən\

: a woolen cloth with a plaid design originally made in Scotland

Next Word in the Dictionary: tartar (noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: tartagoAll Words Near: tartan

What made you want to look up tartan? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears