cardigan

noun

car·​di·​gan ˈkär-di-gən How to pronounce cardigan (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For your 9-to-5, try them with a button-up shirt and trousers, then pair them with a midi dress and cardigan or a cashmere crewneck, jeans, and trench coat on weekends for a welcome dose of juxtaposition. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2026 The Scotland campaign features chunky cable-knit, jacquard, Fair Isle, graphic intarsia and patchwork knits along with V-neck pullovers and cardigans. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Style your work sneakers with a cardigan, straight-leg jeans, and a trench coat for a look that’s elevated yet cool. — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2026 Wear the fall wardrobe staple layered, like Brinkley did under a cardigan with the lace poking through, or style it on its own when the weather is a little warmer. — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cardigan

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cardigan was in 1856

Browse Nearby Words

cardiform
cardigan
Cardigan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cardigan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cardigan. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cardigan

noun
car·​di·​gan ˈkärd-i-gən How to pronounce cardigan (audio)
: a usually collarless sweater opening down the front

Geographical Definition

Cardigan

geographical name

Car·​di·​gan ˈkär-di-gən How to pronounce Cardigan (audio)
variants or Cardiganshire
ˈkär-di-gən-ˌshir How to pronounce Cardigan (audio)
-shər
former county of western Wales; capital Aberystwyth

More from Merriam-Webster on cardigan

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cardigan

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