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argyle

American  
[ahr-gahyl] / ˈɑr gaɪl /
Or Argyle

adjective

  1. (of knitted articles) having a diamond-shaped pattern in two or more colors.


noun

  1. Knitting. a diamond-shaped pattern of two or more colors, used in knitting socks, sweaters, etc.

  2. a sock having this pattern.

argyle British  
/ ɑːˈɡaɪl /

adjective

  1. made of knitted or woven material with a diamond-shaped pattern of two or more colours

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. (often plural) a sock made of this

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of argyle

1790–1800; variant of Argyll; so called because originally patterned after the tartan of this clan

Explanation

Argyle is a specific design or pattern of different colored diamond shapes. If your grandmother visits Scotland, she might bring you back an argyle sweater. If you're preppy, you might just wear it. It's not unusual for knitters to work an argyle pattern into a sweater or a scarf, and it's particularly common for Scottish knitters. Kilts frequently come in various argyle designs, and Scottish Highlanders have traditionally worn argyle socks since the 17th century. The word itself was inspired by the tartan belonging to the Campbell clan, from Argyll in the west of Scotland.

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Vocabulary lists containing argyle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dean, 25, wore a stiff shirt, cravat, argyle jumper and pinstripe team blazer.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2024

A chunky scoop of yellow even bounced onto his argyle sweater — and, yes, he ate that too.

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2023

A lot of the film’s charisma has to do with the Oscar winner at its center in the argyle vest, modest cap, false teeth and singsong northwest English accent.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2022

Tweed and argyle are other styles to consider for window treatments and accent pillows.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 17, 2022

She wouldn’t have guessed Jack Kerouac would be this young, and from her dad’s descriptions she hadn’t pictured him as someone who wore argyle.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman