plaid

American  

[plad] / plæd /

noun

1. any fabric woven of differently colored yarns in a crossbarred pattern.

2. a pattern of this kind.

3. a long, rectangular piece of cloth, usually with such a pattern and worn across the left shoulder by Scottish Highlanders.

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adjective

1. having the pattern of a plaid.

plaid British  

/ plæd, pleɪd /

noun

1. a long piece of cloth of a tartan pattern, worn over the shoulder as part of Highland costume

2. 1. a crisscross weave or cloth

   2. ( as modifier )

      a plaid scarf

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Etymology

Origin of plaid

1505–15; < Scots Gaelic plaide blanket, plaid plaid ( def. 3 )

Explanation

Plaid describes the crisscross pattern found on a Scottish kilt or a punk rocker’s pants. It can be a kind of cloth woven with the design, or a name for the design itself. Fashion-wise, it’s a bold but versatile pattern. Plaid is traditionally made from wool or flannel with a multi-colored tartan design — in other words, a pattern of vertical and horizontal bands of color. These days, every kind of clothing is available in plaid, from socks to skirts to scarves. In English-speaking countries other than the US, plaid is more likely to be called tartan, in fact. In Scotland, a plaid is actually a traditional blanket-like garment, and in Gaelic, plaide means "blanket."

Example Sentences

The store’s front facade was wrapped in a giant plaid scarf made of 126,000 twinkling Christmas lights.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

I was not the only new “recruit”—there was David, in plaid pants, plus two friends of an existing member, who needed no introduction, as they had someone to vouch for them.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

When he saw Dean Spanos in the press tent before sitting for a news conference, Gates, wearing a red and blue plaid blazer with navy slacks, wrapped the Chargers owner in a hug.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2025

Wrapped in his trademark tartan plaid, he was able to bring the world's attention to Pitlochry, something he hopes his appointment will continue to do.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2025

Charlie slides off the bench and leans toward a window, pulling the plaid curtain back with two fingers.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen