What does kilting mean?
Kilting means the act or practice of wearing a kilt. The word is most closely associated with Scottish Highland dress, in which a kilt is worn for ceremonies, celebrations, formal gatherings, and other events connected with Scottish tradition. It may also refer more broadly to the practice of wearing kilts as an expression of cultural identity or heritage. In ordinary speech, people are more likely to name the clothing itself than to use the gerund-like noun “kilting,” so the word can sound formal, descriptive, or historical, especially in museums, educational programmes, and discussions of ceremonial tradition. Although kilts are worn in several national styles, “kilting” is particularly associated with Scotland and its Highland dress. The term should not be confused with the name of the garment, kilt, or with the related adjective kilted, which describes someone wearing a kilt.
nounKilting is the practice or act of wearing a kilt, especially the traditional Highland dress associated with Scotland.
- The act or practice of wearing a kilt, especially as part of traditional Scottish Highland dress.
"The ceremony featured kilting, music, and dancing in the Scottish tradition."
"Kilting has long been an important part of Scottish ceremonial dress."
"The exhibition explained the history of kilting and the symbolism of the kilt."
In Scottish dress, the kilt is the garment, while kilting is the practice of wearing one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kilting come from?
The noun “kilting” was formed in English by adding the gerund-forming suffix -ing to “kilt.” The word “kilt” comes from Scots usage, although its deeper historical origin is uncertain. Closely related English forms include “kilt,” “kilts,” and the adjective “kilted.”
How kilting is actually used
The term is most closely associated with Scottish Highland dress and formal ceremonies, though it may also be used in discussions of Scottish national identity. It denotes the practice of wearing the garment rather than the garment's name.