tartan

[ tahr-tn ]

noun

1. a woolen or worsted cloth woven with stripes of different colors and widths crossing at right angles, worn chiefly by the Scottish Highlanders, each clan having its own distinctive plaid.
2. a design of such a plaid known by the name of the clan wearing it.
3. any plaid.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling tartan.
2. made of tartan.

tartan

¹

/ ˈtɑːtən /

noun

1. a single-masted vessel used in the Mediterranean, usually with a lateen sail

tartan

²

/ ˈtɑːtən /

noun

1. 1. a design of straight lines, crossing at right angles to give a chequered appearance, esp the distinctive design or designs associated with each Scottish clan

      the Buchanan tartan

   2. ( as modifier )

      a tartan kilt

2. a woollen fabric or garment with this design
3. the tartan
   Highland dress

Derived Forms

• ˈtartaned, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tartan¹

1490–1500; variant of tertane < Middle French tertaine ( Old French tiretaine ) linsey-woolsey

Word History and Origins

Origin of tartan¹

C17: from French, perhaps from Provençal tartana falcon, buzzard, since a ship was frequently given the name of a bird

Origin of tartan²

C16: perhaps from Old French tertaine linsey-woolsey, from Old Spanish tiritaña a fine silk fabric, from tiritar to rustle

Example Sentences

The ex-first minister was a regular member of the Tartan Army, including at the Euros in Germany this summer.

From BBC

For Janet Leigh read the Tartan Army, screaming in horror at another late loss bursting through the curtain.

From BBC

The property was decked out in tartan, and Violet bought bagpipes and wore Highland dress.

From BBC

Dressed in truly fabulous tartan, Scottish comic and presenter Alan Cumming accepted the prize for best reality competition series for the US version of The Traitors.

From BBC

It was a sobering night for the Tartan Army, who had been used to reaching World Cups having participated at each of the previous five editions of the tournament.

From BBC

Related Words

• jumble
• mishmash
• plaid