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Plaid Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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plaid

[plad ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

pattern

A pattern of stripes in different widths and colors that cross each other at right angles

Synonyms

checkered, crisscrossed, tartan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plaid

Typically refers to fabric patterns with stripes of different widths and colors crossing each other. Commonly used in fashion and interior design.

  • He wore a plaid shirt to the party
  • The couch was covered in a plaid blanket
tartan

Specific to Scottish culture, tartan is a pattern consisting of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. It often represents a particular Scottish clan.

  • He proudly wore his family's tartan kilt
  • The bagpipes were decorated with tartan ribbons
checkered

Describes a pattern with squares of alternating colors, often seen in racing flags, tablecloths, and certain types of floors. Can also imply an inconsistent or troubled history.

  • The diner had a classic checkered floor
  • His career had a checkered past, filled with ups and downs
crisscrossed

Refers to lines or paths that cross each other repeatedly, forming a lattice or grid. Used in various contexts, including descriptions of roads, scars, and detailed patterns.

  • The hiking trails crisscrossed through the forest
  • Her notebook was crisscrossed with notes and doodles

Examples of usage

  • She wore a skirt with a plaid pattern
  • The blanket had a plaid design
Context #2 | Noun

material

A type of woolen cloth with a pattern of stripes in different widths and colors

Synonyms

checkered material, crisscrossed fabric, tartan cloth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plaid

Commonly used to describe fabric with a pattern of squares and lines, often associated with traditional Scottish attire.

  • He wore a cozy plaid shirt to the campfire
  • The scarf had a distinctive red and green plaid pattern
tartan cloth

Specifically refers to traditional Scottish patterns often signifying different clans, used particularly in kilts and ceremonial attire.

  • The wedding featured traditional outfits made of tartan cloth
  • Each Scottish clan has its own distinct tartan cloth
checkered material

Refers to any fabric with a checkerboard pattern, which can be used for a variety of casual or formal items.

  • The picnic blanket was a cheerful checkered material
  • Her apron was made of blue and white checkered material
crisscrossed fabric

Describes fabric with intersecting lines forming a grid-like pattern, often used in creative or trendy contexts.

  • The designer included crisscrossed fabric in the new fashion line
  • He admired the intricate crisscrossed fabric of the curtains

Examples of usage

  • The shirt was made of soft plaid fabric
  • He wrapped himself in a plaid blanket

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'plaid'

The word 'plaid' originated from the Scottish Gaelic word 'plaide', which referred to a blanket or a length of cloth. In Scotland, plaid originally denoted a tartan cloth slung over the shoulder or a blanket. Over time, the term evolved to also describe the distinctive pattern of stripes associated with tartan designs. Plaid patterns have become popular in fashion and interior design, symbolizing a connection to Scottish heritage and traditions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,790, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.