tartan

/'tɑ:tən/

Thân thiện

The family wears matching tartan scarves on their autumn walk.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cloth having a crisscross design: A woven fabric, typically of wool, characterized by a pattern of intersecting horizontal and vertical stripes in multiple colors, forming a distinctive checked design. This pattern is especially associated with Scottish clans and families.
   • (Historical, Nautical): A small, single-masted Mediterranean sailing vessel.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Fabric):
• Noun (Vessel - historical):

Advanced Usage

• "The Tartan": Can be used metonymically to refer to Scottish heritage or identity.
• As an adjective (attributive use): Used to describe something patterned with or resembling a tartan. (Note: This is an attributive noun use, not a separate adjective form.)

Variants and Related Words

• Plaid: In North American English, "plaid" is often used synonymously with "tartan" to refer to the crisscross pattern. (Note: Strictly, "plaid" can also refer to a garment or a length of tartan cloth.)
• Tartanry (noun): The stereotypical or kitsch representation of Scottish culture, often emphasizing tartan.

Synonyms

• Check (or chequered pattern): A pattern of squares, though not necessarily with the specific clan-associated colors and sequences of a tartan.
• Plaid (see note above).

Related Phrases

• Tartan army: A colloquial name for supporters of the Scotland national football team.
• Tartan Day: A day celebrating Scottish heritage, observed in several countries.

Related Idioms

• To be (a) tartan: (Informal, Scottish) To be of Scottish origin or affiliation.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a cloth having a crisscross design

Từ đồng nghĩa

• plaid