What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plaid
Example
He wore a plaid shirt to the picnic. [plaid: adjective]
Example
The kilt was made of plaid fabric. [plaid: noun]
tartan
Example
She wore a tartan scarf to the Highland Games. [tartan: adjective]
Example
The bagpipes player wore a tartan kilt. [tartan: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plaid is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in North America, while tartan is more commonly associated with Scottish culture and heritage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plaid and tartan?
Both plaid and tartan can be used for both formal and casual attire, but tartan may be considered more formal due to its association with Scottish heritage and traditional dress.
