cardigan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1General, everyday, fashion.
Quick answer
What does “cardigan” mean?
A knitted sweater or jacket, typically with buttons down the front.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A knitted sweater or jacket, typically with buttons down the front.
In fashion, a style of outer garment; in horseracing, a prize named after the Earl of Cardigan.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in meaning and use in both varieties. The garment itself is universally recognized.
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK contexts, often associated with a classic, cosy, or scholarly style.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “cardigan” in a Sentence
[Verb] a cardigan: wear, put on, take off, knit, unbutton.[Adjective] cardigan: woolly, chunky, long, oversized.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cardigan” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He cardiganed himself against the draft. (Informal/rare)
American English
- She cardiganed up before the evening walk. (Informal/rare)
adjective
British English
- She has a very cardigan-and-pearls style. (Figurative)
American English
- The décor had a cardigan-cozy feel. (Figurative)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail/fashion: 'The new line features merino wool cardigans.'
Academic
Rare. Possibly in historical/costume studies: 'The cardigan became popular in the 19th century.'
Everyday
Very common: 'I'll just grab a cardigan; it's a bit chilly.'
Technical
In knitting/craft patterns: 'Cast on 80 stitches for the cardigan back.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cardigan”
- Spelling: 'cardigan' not 'cardigan'.
- Usage: Using 'cardigan' for a hoodie or sweatshirt (which are pullovers without buttons).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is named after James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan, whose troops wore such knitted waistcoats during the Crimean War (1850s).
All cardigans are sweaters, but not all sweaters are cardigans. A cardigan is a specific type of sweater that opens fully at the front.
Rarely and informally. It means to put on or wrap oneself in a cardigan (e.g., 'You should cardigan up'). It is not standard.
A cardigan is typically knitted, soft, and meant as a casual layer. A jacket is usually woven, more structured, and often designed as outerwear.
A knitted sweater or jacket, typically with buttons down the front.
Cardigan is usually general, everyday, fashion. in register.
Cardigan: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːdɪɡən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːrdɪɡən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare] To cardigan someone: to provide comfort or cosy protection (non-standard, poetic).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CARDigan: Imagine a CARD (playing card) with a picture of a man (IG + AN) wearing a cosy, buttoned sweater.
Conceptual Metaphor
WARMTH IS A WRAP / COMFORT IS A LAYER.
Practice
Quiz
Which feature is most essential to a classic cardigan?