What does argyll mean?
An argyll is a knitted garment—most often a sweater, cardigan, vest, or pair of socks—decorated with an all-over pattern of overlapping diamonds in contrasting colors. The design takes its name from Argyll, a historic region on Scotland's west coast, and is closely associated with the tartan of Clan Campbell, whose chiefs were based there. The pattern became fashionable in Britain and America in the early twentieth century, particularly through golf attire and men's hosiery, and it remains a staple of what might be called classic or preppy dressing. In everyday use, "argyll" functions both as a noun for the garment itself and as a descriptive term for anything bearing the distinctive lozenge motif. The spelling "argyle" is more widespread today, but the two forms are interchangeable. The word evokes tradition, collegiate style, and a certain understated British elegance.
nounA knitted garment, typically a sweater or sock, featuring an all-over diamond pattern in contrasting colors; also the diamond-patterned design itself.
- A knitted sweater, vest, or sock bearing an all-over diamond (lozenge) pattern in two or more colors.
- The diamond-patterned design itself, used adjectivally or attributively to describe fabric or clothing.
"He wore a cream argyll sweater with navy and burgundy diamonds to the club dinner."
"She pulled on her favorite argyll cardigan before heading out into the autumn chill."
"The shop window displayed neatly folded argyll socks in every color combination imaginable."
The plural refers to multiple garments or pairs of socks bearing the pattern.
"The drawer was full of argylls in every shade of green and blue."
The cozy diamonds on your grandfather's golf socks trace straight back to the tartan of Scotland's Clan Campbell.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of argyll
The word derives from Argyll, a region in western Scotland whose Gaelic name, Earra-Ghàidheal, means roughly "coastland of the Gaels." The diamond-patterned knitting associated with the area was popularized by the Campbell clan, whose seat was Inveraray Castle in Argyll. The pattern entered mainstream fashion in Britain and North America in the early twentieth century, notably through golf wear, and the anglicized place name gave English both the spellings "argyll" and the now more common "argyle."
Usage notes
The spelling "argyle" is considerably more common than "argyll" in modern English, though both refer to the same thing. The word carries a slightly preppy, traditional connotation, associated with country clubs, golf, and mid-century menswear.
Don't confuse with
"Argyle" is simply the more common spelling variant of the same word; both refer to the identical diamond-patterned knitwear.
Argyll (usually capitalized) is a historic region on the west coast of Scotland, from which the knitwear pattern's name derives.