Word
plaid
US/ˈpɫæd/
UK/plˈeɪd/
Definitions
01the pattern
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun American English
n. a pattern of colored lines that cross each other to make squares.
n. a pattern consisting of longitudinal and transverse lines of varying widths and colors that cross at right angles.
日本語:格子じま、チェック※
“He wore a red and black plaid shirt to the party.”
“The designer chose a subtle grey plaid for the winter collection, aiming for a look that was professional yet visually interesting.”
Usage
In American English, 'plaid' is the standard word for the pattern; in British English, 'tartan' is more common for specific Scottish designs.
02Scottish garment
C1 · Advanced Countable noun British English
n. a long piece of heavy wool cloth with a tartan pattern, worn over the shoulder as part of traditional Scottish dress.
n. a rectangular length of tartan cloth, traditionally worn over the shoulder as a garment in the Scottish Highlands.
“The bagpiper wore a traditional plaid over his shoulder during the parade.”
“The ceremonial uniform included a heavy woollen plaid, pinned at the shoulder with a silver brooch featuring the clan's crest.”
Teaching tip
In a historical or Scottish context, this refers to the specific garment rather than just the pattern.
03having a checkered pattern
B1 · Intermediate American English
adj. having a pattern of crossing lines and squares.
adj. decorated with or featuring a pattern of stripes crossing at right angles.
“She bought some plaid curtains to match the rustic style of the cabin.”
“The interior was decorated with plaid upholstery and dark wood, creating a cozy, traditional atmosphere in the library.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Scots plaid, of uncertain origin; perhaps from a past participle form of ply. Scottish Gaelic plaide (“blanket”) is probably a borrowing from Scots. Also compare Scottish Gaelic peall (“covering, veil, blanket”) << Latin pellis (“hide, covering”), but the OED finds the sound changes problematic.
Alternative forms.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/plaid
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0