What does afghan mean?
An afghan is a blanket, throw, or shawl — particularly one that has been knitted or crocheted, often featuring colorful patterns such as granny squares or striped designs. The word carries warm, domestic connotations: afghans are strongly associated with handmade gifts, family heirlooms passed down through generations, and the comfort of a favorite armchair or sofa. In American usage, the term almost always refers to this type of textile, and it is typically written with a lowercase 'a'. When capitalized as 'Afghan', however, the word refers to a native or inhabitant of Afghanistan, reflecting its geographic origin. In British English, 'afghan' more often denotes the Afghan hound, an elegant, long-haired breed of dog. This triple meaning makes the word unusually versatile: the same term can describe a cozy handcrafted blanket, a person's nationality, or a distinctive dog breed, depending on context and region.
A blanket, throw, or shawl, especially one that is knitted or crocheted in a colorful patterned design.
"She pulled the crocheted afghan over her knees and settled in with a book."
Usually lowercase when referring to the blanket.
A native or inhabitant of Afghanistan.
"Several Afghans gathered at the community center to celebrate the new year."
Typically capitalized in this sense; distinct from 'Afghani', which refers to the currency.
(British English) An Afghan hound, a tall, slender breed of dog with a long silky coat.
"The afghan glided gracefully around the show ring."
When referring to blankets, the plural 'afghans' is standard. When referring to people, the plural is 'Afghans' (capitalized).
"The charity collected dozens of hand-knitted afghans for the shelter."
The cozy blanket on your grandmother's couch is named after the people of Afghanistan — Americans borrowed the word in the 1800s and turned it into the ultimate symbol of homemade comfort.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of afghan
The word 'afghan' derives from 'Afghan', the name for the people and region of Afghanistan, which entered English in the early modern period through Persian and other sources. The blanket sense arose in nineteenth-century America, when knitted and crocheted coverlets were associated with patterns or wools thought to be of Afghan origin; the exact reason the name attached to these textiles is not fully documented. Related terms include 'Afghanistan', the country name formed from the same root, and 'Afghan hound', a breed named for the region where it was developed.
How afghan is actually used
In American English, 'afghan' almost always means a knitted or crocheted blanket and is often written lowercase. When referring to a person from Afghanistan, it is usually capitalized ('an Afghan'), and some style guides prefer 'Afghan' over the older term 'Afghani', which properly refers to the currency of Afghanistan. In British English, 'afghan' commonly refers to the Afghan hound rather than a blanket.
Easily confused with afghan
Afghanistan is the country in Central Asia; 'afghan' is most commonly a knitted or crocheted blanket, though it can also refer to a person from Afghanistan.