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.
Plus, airplanes tend to be chilly, so my mom always appreciates having a soft cardigan like this simple style to throw on. — Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Residents are also often in need of slippers, non-slip socks, and cozier items, such as shawls and cardigans. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 Not every piece in your mix-and-match wardrobe has to be neutral, especially a top layer like this Gap cardigan. — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026 In stark contrast, Boone captured the All-American crowd with his squeaky-clean image, cardigans, and signature white buck shoes. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 26 June 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 10 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of cardigan for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cardigan

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