B2 (Upper-intermediate)

to-do list

to-do list [noun]

a list of tasks that need to be done

Example: 

It's on my to-do list.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

to-ˈdo list noun [countable]  

a list of jobs you have to do

 Painting the bedroom is at the top of my to-do list.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

to-do list

noun [ C ] UK  US  WORKPLACE

a list of tasks that need to be done:

It's on my to-do list.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

to-do list

 noun

Definition of to-do list

: a list of things to doCalling the plumber is on my to-do list.

kill time

kill time [idiom]

to do something that keeps you busy while you are waiting for something else to happen

Example: 

Are you really watching that nonsense movie or just trying to kill your time?

 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

8. kill time/an hour etc to spend time doing something which is not important, while you are waiting to do something important or waiting for something else to happen:
With time to kill, he took a cab to the centre.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

kill time

kill ˈtime | kill an ˈhour, a couple of ˈhours, etc. idiom

to spend time doing sth that is not important while you are waiting for sth else to happen

We killed time playing cards.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

kill time, an hour, etc.

B2 to do something that keeps you busy while you are waiting for something else to happen:

The train was late, so I killed an hour or so window-shopping.

Prioritize

prioritize [verb]

to decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first

US /praɪˈɔːr.ə.taɪz/ 
UK /praɪˈɒr.ɪ.taɪz/ 
Example: 

You should make a list of all the jobs you have to do and prioritize them.

media: 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

prioritize

prioritize AC BrE AmE (also prioritise British English) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz, praɪˈɒrɪtaɪz $ -ˈɔːr-/ verb [transitive]
[Word Family: noun: ↑priority, ↑prioritization; verb: ↑prioritize]
1. to put several things, problems etc in order of importance, so that you can deal with the most important ones first:
You need to prioritize your tasks.
2. to deal with one thing first, because it is the most important:
The public wants to see the fight against crime prioritized.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

prioritize

pri·ori·tize AW (BrE also -ise) [prioritize prioritizes prioritized prioritizing]   [praɪˈɒrətaɪz]    [praɪˈɔːrətaɪz]  verb
1. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) to put tasks, problems, etc. in order of importance, so that you can deal with the most important first

You should make a list of all the jobs you have to do and prioritize them.

2. transitive ~ sth (formal) to treat sth as being more important than other things

The organization was formed to prioritize the needs of older people.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

prioritize ( UK usually prioritise ) / praɪˈɒr.ɪ.taɪz /   / -ˈɔːr.ə- / verb [ I or T ]

to decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first:

You must learn to prioritize your work.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

prioritize

[praɪɒ̱rɪtaɪz, AM -ɔ͟ːr-]
 prioritizes, prioritizing, prioritized
 (in BRIT, also use prioritise)
 1) VERB If you prioritize something, you treat it as more important than other things.
  [V n] The government is prioritising the service sector, rather than investing in industry and production.
 2) VERB If you prioritize the tasks that you have to do, you decide which are the most important and do them first.
  [V n] Make lists of what to do and prioritize your tasks. [Also V]

 

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

prioritize

pri·or·i·tize also Brit pri·or·i·tise /praɪˈorəˌtaɪz/ verb -tiz·es; -tized; -tiz·ing
1 : to organize (things) so that the most important thing is done or dealt with first

[+ obj]

• It's always difficult to prioritize work, school, and family.

[no obj]

• If you want to do your job efficiently, you have to learn to prioritize.
2 [+ obj] : to make (something) the most important thing in a group
• The town council hopes to prioritize the bridge construction project at the next meeting.

Declutter

Declutter [verb]

to make a place tidy by removing things you do not want or need

US /-ˈklʌt̬.ɚ/ 
UK /ˌdiːˈklʌt.ər/ 
Example: 

I decided it was time to declutter my bedroom.

 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

declutter

declutter /diːˈklʌtə $ -ər/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive and transitive]
to make a place tidy by removing things you do not want or need:
I decided it was time to declutter my bedroom.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

declutter

declutter 8 [declutter] (also de-clutter)  [diːˈklʌtə(r)]    [diːˈklʌtər]  verb intransitive, transitive
to remove things that you do not use so that you have more space and can easily find things when you need them
Moving is a good opportunity to declutter.
~ sth a 7-step plan to help you declutter your home
Declutter one room at a time.
She helps people declutter their schedules, houses, and minds.

multitasking

multitasking [noun] (PERSON)

a person's ability to do more than one thing at a time

US /ˌmʌl.tiˈtæs.kɪŋ/ 
UK /ˌmʌl.tiˈtɑːs.kɪŋ/ 
Example: 

Women are often very good at multitasking.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

multitasking

multitasking /ˈmʌltiˌtɑːskɪŋ $ -ˌtæs-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
1. a computer’s ability to do more than one job at a time
2. when a person does more than one thing at a time:
Women are traditionally supposed to be good at multitasking.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

multitasking

multi·tasking f58 [multitasking]   [ˌmʌltiˈtɑːskɪŋ]    [ˌmʌltiˈtæskɪŋ]  noun uncountable

1. (computing) the ability of a computer to operate several programs at the same time

2. the ability to do several things at the same time

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

multitasking / ˌmʌl.tiˈtɑːs.kɪŋ /   / -t̬iˈtæs- / noun [ U ] (PERSON)

a person's ability to do more than one thing at a time:

Women are often very good at multitasking.

 

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

multitasking

mul·ti·task·ing /ˈmʌltiˌtæskɪŋ, Brit ˈmʌltiˌtɑːskɪŋ/ noun [noncount] : the ability to do several things at the same time
• The job requires someone who is good at multitasking.

Procrastinate

procrastinate [verb]

to keep delaying something that must be done, often because it is unpleasant or boring

US /proʊˈkræs.tə.neɪt/ 
UK /prəˈkræs.tɪ.neɪt/ 
Example: 

I know I've got to deal with the problem at some point - I'm just procrastinating.

media: 

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

procrastinate

procrastinate /prəˈkræstəneɪt, prəˈkræstɪneɪt/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive]
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin; Origin: past participle of procrastinare, from cras 'tomorrow']
formal to delay doing something that you ought to do, usually because you do not want to do it SYN put off:
People often procrastinate when it comes to paperwork.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

procrastinate

pro·cras·tin·ate [procrastinate procrastinates procrastinated procrastinating]   [prəʊˈkræstɪneɪt]    [proʊˈkræstɪneɪt]  verb intransitive (formal, disapproving)
to delay doing sth that you should do, usually because you do not want to do it
People were dying of starvation while governments procrastinated.
Derived Word: procrastination
 
Word Origin:

late 16th cent.: from Latin procrastinat- ‘deferred till the morning’, from the verb procrastinare, from pro- ‘forward’ + crastinus ‘belonging to tomorrow’ (from cras ‘tomorrow’).

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

procrastinate / prəˈkræs.tɪ.neɪt /   / proʊ- / verb [ I ]

to keep delaying something that must be done, often because it is unpleasant or boring:

I know I've got to deal with the problem at some point - I'm just procrastinating.

 

procrastination / -ˌkræs.tɪˈneɪ.ʃ ə n / noun [ U ]

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

procrastinate

[proʊkræ̱stɪneɪt]
 procrastinates, procrastinating, procrastinated
 VERB

 If you procrastinate, you keep leaving things you should do until later, often because you do not want to do them. [FORMAL]
  Most often we procrastinate when faced with something we do not want to do.
 Syn:
 stall
  Derived words:
  procrastination [proʊkræ̱stɪne͟ɪʃ(ə)n] N-UNCOUNT He hates delay and procrastination in all its forms.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

procrastinate

pro·cras·ti·nate /prəˈkræstəˌneɪt/ verb -nates; -nat·ed; -nat·ing [no obj] : to be slow or late about doing something that should be done : to delay doing something until a later time because you do not want to do it, because you are lazy, etc.
• He procrastinated and missed the submission deadline.
• He told her to stop procrastinating and get to work.
- pro·cras·ti·na·tion /prəˌkræstəˈneɪʃən/ noun [noncount]
• She is not prone to procrastination.
- pro·cras·ti·na·tor /prəˈkræstəneɪtɚ/ noun, pl -tors [count]
• Some people are procrastinators when it comes to paying their bills.

schedule

schedule [verb]

to arrange that an event or activity will happen at a particular time

US /ˈskedʒ.uːl/ 
UK /ˈʃedʒ.uːl/ 
Example: 

The meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

II. schedule2 S3 AC BrE AmE verb [transitive usually passive]
[Word Family: verb: ↑schedule, ↑reschedule; adjective: scheduled, rescheduled; noun: ↑schedule]
to plan that something will happen at a particular time
be scheduled for June/Monday etc
The elections are scheduled for mid-June.
be scheduled for release/publication/completion etc
Her first album is scheduled for release in September.
be scheduled to do something
Meetings are scheduled to take place all over the country.
scheduled flight/service (=a plane service that flies at the same time every day or every week)
Prices include scheduled flights from Heathrow.
We will not cancel your holiday less than eight weeks before the scheduled departure date.

 

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

verb
1. usually passive to arrange for sth to happen at a particular time
~ sth (for sth) The meeting is scheduled for Friday afternoon.
One of the scheduled events is a talk on alternative medicine.
We'll be stopping here for longer than scheduled.

~ sb/sth to do sth I'm scheduled to arrive in LA at 5 o'clock.

2. ~ sth (as sth) (formal) to include sth in an official list of things
The substance has been scheduled as a poison.
 
Word Origin:
late Middle English (in the sense ‘scroll, explanatory note, appendix’): from Old French cedule, from late Latin schedula ‘slip of paper’, diminutive of scheda, from Greek skhedē ‘papyrus leaf’. The verb dates from the mid 19th cent.  
Thesaurus:
schedule verb T, usually passive
The meeting is scheduled for Friday afternoon.
setfixtimebookset sth upline sb/sth up|especially BrE timetable
schedule/set/fix/time/book/set up/line up/timetable sth for sth
schedule/set/fix/time/book/set up/line up/timetable sb/sth to do sth
schedule/set/fix/time/set up/timetable a meeting
schedule/set/fix/book a time/date/day  
Example Bank:
The Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on July 4.
The film is scheduled for release next month.
The meeting was originally scheduled for March 12.
Filming is scheduled to begin in May.
I'll try to schedule you in next week.
It was originally scheduled for July 16.
No regular classes were scheduled on Wednesdays.

We'll be stopping here for longer than scheduled.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

schedule / ˈʃed.juːl /   / ˈsked- / verb [ T often passive ]

B2 to arrange that an event or activity will happen at a particular time:

The meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

[ + to infinitive ] The train is scheduled to arrive at 8.45, but it's running 20 minutes late.

scheduled / -juːld / adjective

B2

This program will be broadcast half an hour later than the scheduled time.

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

schedule

[ʃe̱djuːl, AM ske̱ʤuːl]
 ♦♦
 schedules, scheduling, scheduled

 1) N-COUNT A schedule is a plan that gives a list of events or tasks and the times at which each one should happen or be done.
  He has been forced to adjust his schedule...
  We both have such hectic schedules.
  Syn:
  timetable
 2) N-UNCOUNT: prep N You can use schedule to refer to the time or way something is planned to be done. For example, if something is completed on schedule, it is completed at the time planned.
  The jet arrived in Johannesburg two minutes ahead of schedule...
  Everything went according to schedule...
  It will be completed several weeks behind schedule.
 3) VERB: usu passive If something is scheduled to happen at a particular time, arrangements are made for it to happen at that time.
  [be V-ed to-inf] The space shuttle had been scheduled to blast off at 04:38...
  [be V-ed for n] A presidential election was scheduled for last December...
  [V-ed] No new talks are scheduled.
 4) N-COUNT A schedule is a written list of things, for example a list of prices, details, or conditions.
  Syn:
  list
 5) N-COUNT A schedule is a list of all the times when trains, boats, buses, or aircraft are supposed to arrive at or leave a particular place. [mainly AM]
  ...a bus schedule.
  Syn:
  timetable(in BRIT, usually use timetable)
 6) N-COUNT In a school or college, a schedule is a diagram that shows the times in the week at which particular subjects are taught. [AM]
  Syn:
  timetable(in BRIT, usually use timetable)

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

schedule
 

2schedule verb -ules; -uled; -ul·ing [+ obj] : to plan (something) at a certain time
• We scheduled a meeting for next week.
• I need to schedule a doctor's appointment.
- often used as (be) scheduled
• The release of the movie/album is scheduled for next month.
• The bus arrived earlier than (it was) scheduled.
• I am scheduled to arrive at noon.
• The test is scheduled to begin in one hour.
• The train will be leaving as scheduled. [=on time; will be leaving at the planned time]
- scheduled adj
• a list of the scheduled events
• The plane's scheduled arrival/departure is midnight.

Schedule

Schedule [noun]

a list of planned activities or things to be done showing the times or dates when they are intended to happen or be done

US /ˈskedʒ.uːl/ 
UK /ˈʃedʒ.uːl/ 
Example: 

a production schedule

Oxford Essential Dictionary

schedule

 noun
a plan or list of times when things will happen or be done:
I've got a busy schedule next week.
We're behind schedule (= late) with the project.
Filming began on schedule (= at the planned time).

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

schedule

I. schedule1 S2 W3 AC /ˈʃedjuːl, ˈske- $ ˈskedʒʊl, -dʒəl/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: verb: ↑schedule, ↑reschedule; adjective: scheduled, rescheduled; noun: ↑schedule]
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: cedule 'piece of paper, note', from Late Latin schedula, from Latin scheda 'sheet of papyrus']
1. a plan of what someone is going to do and when they are going to do it
on schedule (=at the planned time)
The majority of holiday flights depart and arrive on schedule.
ahead of/behind schedule (=before or after the planned time)
Meg’s new book is still well ahead of schedule.
How can he fit everything into his busy schedule?
I’m going to be working to a very tight schedule (=including a lot of things that must be done in a short time).
2. American English a list that shows the times that buses, trains etc leave or arrive at a particular place SYN timetable British English
3. a formal list of something, for example prices:
a schedule of postal charges
• • •
THESAURUS
schedule a detailed plan of what someone is going to do and when they will do it, especially someone important: He has a very busy schedule. | The President’s schedule includes a two-day visit to St Petersburg.
timetable British English, schedule American English a written list that shows the exact times when something will happen, for example when planes or buses leave, or when classes at school take place: The timetable said there was another train at 6.15. | According to the class schedule, English 104 is at 10 am in Royce Hall.
programme British English, program American English a plan that shows the order of activities at a ceremony, sports meeting, public event etc: Who is organizing the conference programme? | the next event on the program
agenda a list of the subjects that will be discussed at a meeting: Attached is the agenda for the budget committee meeting. | the final item on the agenda
timeline a plan for when things will happen or how long you think something will take – used especially in business English: The timeline for the project is less than six months from start to finish. | What is the usual timeline from the sale of a house to the day you can move in?
itinerary a plan or list of the places you will visit on a journey, usually with the date or time that you will be there: The Travel Pack includes a detailed itinerary, maps, and a travel guide. | Let me know your itinerary when you know it.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

schedule

sched·ule AW [schedule schedules scheduled scheduling] noun, verb   [ˈʃedjuːl]    [ˈskedʒuːl] 

noun
1. countable, uncountable a plan that lists all the work that you have to do and when you must do each thing
I have a hectic schedule for the next few days.
We're working to a tight schedule (= we have a lot of things to do in a short time).
Filming began on schedule (= at the planned time).
The new bridge has been finished two years ahead of schedule.
The tunnel project has already fallen behind schedule.

• We are trying desperately to keep to our schedule.

2. countable (NAmE) =  timetable
• a train schedule

• Chinese will be on the school schedule from next year.

3. countable a list of the television and radio programmes that are on a particular channel and the times that they start
• The channel's schedules are filled with old films and repeats.

• Channel 4 has published its spring schedules.

4. countable a written list of things, for example prices, rates or conditions
tax schedules  
Word Origin:
late Middle English (in the sense ‘scroll, explanatory note, appendix’): from Old French cedule, from late Latin schedula ‘slip of paper’, diminutive of scheda, from Greek skhedē ‘papyrus leaf’. The verb dates from the mid 19th cent.  
Thesaurus:
schedule noun C, U
We're working to a tight schedule.
timetableitinerarydiarycalendaragenda|BrE programme|AmE program
be/put sth in the/your schedule/timetable/itinerary/diary/calendar/programme
on the schedule/timetable/itinerary/calendar/agenda/programme
a busy/full/packed schedule/timetable/diary/calendar/agenda/programme
checl/consult the/your schedule/timetable/diary/calendar
Schedule or timetable? A schedule is usually a plan of what must happen; a timetable is often a plan of what you hope will happen
work/production schedules
the government's timetable for the peace talks
 
Which Word?:
agenda / diary / schedule / timetable
A book with a space for each day where you write down things that you have to do in the future is called a diary or a datebook (NAmE) (not an agenda). You may also have a calendar on your desk or hanging up in your room, where you write down your appointments. A diary or a journal is also the record that some people keep of what has happened during the day: the Diary of Anne Frank.
In BrE your schedule is a plan that lists all the work that you have to do and when you must do each thing and a timetable is a list showing the fixed times at which events will happen: a bus/train timetable. In NAmE these are both called a schedule. 
Example Bank:
Allow time in the schedule for sickness.
At this stage everything is going according to schedule.
Connor checked the bus schedules for the day.
I'm trying to fit everything into my busy schedule.
She has a very demanding schedule.
The president took time out of his busy schedule to visit our school.
The project is right on schedule.
We had to work a lot of overtime to meet the strict production schedule.
We have a tight schedule to keep.
We're five days off schedule.
We're starting to slip behind schedule.
disruptions to flight schedules caused by the strike
Filming began on schedule.
The new bridge has been finished two years ahead of schedule.
The show trebled ratings for the channel's afternoon schedule.
The tunnel project has already fallen behind schedule.
What's your schedule like next semester?
• a bus/flight/train schedule

Derived Word: scheduler 

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

schedule / ˈʃed.juːl /   / ˈsked- / noun [ C ]

B2 a list of planned activities or things to be done showing the times or dates when they are intended to happen or be done:

a production schedule

a hectic/tight (= very busy) schedule

Everything went according to schedule (= as had been planned) .

B1 US ( UK timetable ) a list of the times when events are planned to happen, especially the times when buses, trains, and planes leave and arrive formal an official list of things:

a schedule of business expenses

ahead of schedule B2 early:

We expect the building work to be completed ahead of schedule.

on schedule

B2 not early or late

fall behind schedule

to do less work than you planned to do by a particular point in time

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

schedule

[ʃe̱djuːl, AM ske̱ʤuːl]
 ♦♦
 schedules, scheduling, scheduled

 1) N-COUNT A schedule is a plan that gives a list of events or tasks and the times at which each one should happen or be done.
  He has been forced to adjust his schedule...
  We both have such hectic schedules.
  Syn:
  timetable
 2) N-UNCOUNT: prep N You can use schedule to refer to the time or way something is planned to be done. For example, if something is completed on schedule, it is completed at the time planned.
  The jet arrived in Johannesburg two minutes ahead of schedule...
  Everything went according to schedule...
  It will be completed several weeks behind schedule.
 3) VERB: usu passive If something is scheduled to happen at a particular time, arrangements are made for it to happen at that time.
  [be V-ed to-inf] The space shuttle had been scheduled to blast off at 04:38...
  [be V-ed for n] A presidential election was scheduled for last December...
  [V-ed] No new talks are scheduled.
 4) N-COUNT A schedule is a written list of things, for example a list of prices, details, or conditions.
  Syn:
  list
 5) N-COUNT A schedule is a list of all the times when trains, boats, buses, or aircraft are supposed to arrive at or leave a particular place. [mainly AM]
  ...a bus schedule.
  Syn:
  timetable(in BRIT, usually use timetable)
 6) N-COUNT In a school or college, a schedule is a diagram that shows the times in the week at which particular subjects are taught. [AM]
  Syn:
  timetable(in BRIT, usually use timetable)

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

1sched·ule /ˈskɛˌʤuːl, Brit ˈʃɛˌdjuːl/ noun, pl -ules
1 : a plan of things that will be done and the times when they will be done

[count]

• I have a hectic/busy/full schedule this week.
• Students are planning their class/course schedules for next year.
• I have a flexible schedule [=I can change the times when I need to do things], so I can meet you at any time.
• Sorting the mail is part of her daily schedule.
• We have a tight schedule to get this project done. [=we have a small amount of time to finish the project]

[noncount]

• The bus arrived on schedule. [=on time; arrived at the time it was expected]
• So far, everything is on schedule. [=everything is happening at the time that was planned]
• The builders were ahead of schedule. [=the builders were completing work earlier than planned]
• If we get too far behind/off schedule [=if we do things later than planned] we will not be able to catch up later.
• The project is going according to schedule. [=things are happening as planned]
2 [count]
a : a written or printed list of things and the times when they will be done
• I lost my class/course schedule.
b US : a list of the times when buses, trains, airplanes, etc., leave or arrive
• a bus/train/airplane/flight schedule [=(Brit) timetable]
c : a list of the television or radio programs that are on a particular channel and the times that they begin
• a programming schedule
d : a list of prices or rates
• the doctor's fee schedule
• a tax schedule

tartan

tartan [noun]

a pattern of different coloured straight lines crossing each other at 90 degree angles, or a cloth with this pattern

US /ˈtɑːr.ən/ 
UK /ˈtɑː.tən/ 
Example: 

a tartan kilt

Oxford Essential Dictionary

tartan

 noun
a special pattern on material that comes from Scotland:
a tartan skirt

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

tartan

tartan /ˈtɑːtn $ ˈtɑːrtn/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1400-1500; Origin: Probably from Old French tiretaine type of cloth]
[uncountable and countable] a traditional Scottish pattern of coloured squares and crossed lines, or cloth, especially wool cloth, with this pattern SYN plaid American English:
the MacGregor tartan (=the special pattern worn by the MacGregor family)
—tartan adjective:
a tartan scarf

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

tartan

tar·tan [tartan tartans]   [ˈtɑːtn]    [ˈtɑːrtn]  noun

1. uncountable, countable a pattern of squares and lines of different colours and widths that cross each other at an angle of 90°, used especially on cloth, and originally from Scotland

• a tartan rug

2. countable a tartan pattern connected with a particular group of families (= a clan ) in Scotland

• the MacLeod tartan

3. uncountable cloth, especially made of wool, that has a tartan pattern
compare  plaid  
Word Origin:
late 15th cent. (originally Scots): perhaps from Old French tertaine, denoting a kind of cloth; compare with tartarin, a rich fabric formerly imported from the east through Tartary, a historical region of Asia and eastern Europe.  
Culture:
tartan
Tartan is a traditional woollen cloth from Scotland that has patterns of squares and lines woven in various colours. Patterns depended originally on dyes available from local plants, so each area developed its own tartan. Tartans were not at first associated with a particular clan. From the late 18th century, Scottish regiments wore different tartans as an identifying feature, and the design of an individual tartan for each clan followed soon afterwards. The most famous tartans include ‘Black Watch’, the tartan of the Royal Highland Regiment, which is black and dark green, and ‘Royal Stuart’, the mainly red tartan of the royal family.
Scotsmen may wear a kilt (= a man’s skirt with pleats that reaches to the knees) and sometimes a plaid (= cloak), or simply a tie, in their clan’s tartan. Apart from those who work in the tourist industry, few Scots wear tartan as part of their ordinary clothing. Men wear kilts when taking part in Scottish dancing displays or for formal occasions such as weddings.

Many Scots consider it wrong to wear the tartan of a clan to which they do not belong, but this has not prevented tartan, or tartan-like patterns, becoming fashionable in Britain and abroad. For some people tartan has romantic associations with Scotland’s history and its wild and beautiful countryside. Women’s kilts, skirts and dresses, as well as scarves, bags, travelling rugs, and many other articles, are made in tartan patterns. Goods sold to tourists, such as tins of shortbread biscuits, are decorated with tartan patterns to indicate their origin.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

tartan / ˈtɑː.t ə n /   / ˈtɑːr. ə n / noun [ C or U ]

a pattern of different coloured straight lines crossing each other at 90 degree angles, or a cloth with this pattern:

a tartan kilt

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

tartan

[tɑ͟ː(r)t(ə)n]
 tartans
 N-VAR: oft N n
 Tartan is a design for cloth traditionally associated with Scotland, which has a number of distinctive types. Tartan is composed of lines of different widths and colours crossing each other at right angles. Tartan is also used to refer to cloth which has this pattern.
  The corridors are carpeted in tartan.
  ...traditional tartan kilts.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

tartan

tar·tan /ˈtɑɚtn̩/ noun, pl -tans
1 [count] : a traditional Scottish cloth pattern of stripes in different colors and widths that cross each other to form squares
• a kilt in the clan's tartan
2 [count, noncount] : fabric with a tartan pattern

plaid

plaid [noun]

a pattern of crossed lines and squares, used especially on cloth SYN tartan British English

US /plæd/ 
UK /plæd/ 
Example: 

a plaid shirt

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

plaid

plaid /plæd/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Scottish Gaelic; Origin: plaide]
1. [uncountable] a pattern of crossed lines and squares, used especially on cloth SYN tartan British English:
a plaid shirt
2. [countable] a piece of plaid cloth worn over the shoulder and across the chest by people from Scotland as part of their ↑national costume

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

plaid

plaid [plaid plaids]   [plæd]    [plæd]  noun

1. uncountable a type of thick cloth with a pattern of lines and squares of different colours and widths, especially a tartan pattern

2. countable a long piece of plaid made of wool, worn over the shoulders as part of the Scottish national dress 
Word Origin:
early 16th cent.: from Scottish Gaelic plaide ‘blanket’, of unknown ultimate origin.  
Culture:
tartan
Tartan is a traditional woollen cloth from Scotland that has patterns of squares and lines woven in various colours. Patterns depended originally on dyes available from local plants, so each area developed its own tartan. Tartans were not at first associated with a particular clan. From the late 18th century, Scottish regiments wore different tartans as an identifying feature, and the design of an individual tartan for each clan followed soon afterwards. The most famous tartans include ‘Black Watch’, the tartan of the Royal Highland Regiment, which is black and dark green, and ‘Royal Stuart’, the mainly red tartan of the royal family.
Scotsmen may wear a kilt (= a man’s skirt with pleats that reaches to the knees) and sometimes a plaid (= cloak), or simply a tie, in their clan’s tartan. Apart from those who work in the tourist industry, few Scots wear tartan as part of their ordinary clothing. Men wear kilts when taking part in Scottish dancing displays or for formal occasions such as weddings.

Many Scots consider it wrong to wear the tartan of a clan to which they do not belong, but this has not prevented tartan, or tartan-like patterns, becoming fashionable in Britain and abroad. For some people tartan has romantic associations with Scotland’s history and its wild and beautiful countryside. Women’s kilts, skirts and dresses, as well as scarves, bags, travelling rugs, and many other articles, are made in tartan patterns. Goods sold to tourists, such as tins of shortbread biscuits, are decorated with tartan patterns to indicate their origin.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
 

plaid / plæd / noun [ U ]

mainly US for tartan

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

plaid

[plæ_d]
 plaids
 1) N-MASS: oft N n Plaid is material with a check design on it. Plaid is also the design itself.
  Eddie wore blue jeans and a plaid shirt.
 2) N-COUNT A plaid is a long piece of tartan material that is worn over the shoulder as part of the Scottish Highland traditional dress.

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary: 

plaid

plaid /ˈplæd/ noun, pl plaids
1 [noncount] : a pattern on cloth of stripes with different widths that cross each other to form squares - often used before another noun
• a plaid pattern
• a plaid shirt
- see color picture 
2 plaids [plural] US : clothes with plaid patterns
• She likes to wear plaids.
3 [count] : a woolen cloth with a plaid pattern that is worn over the shoulder as part of the Scottish national costume

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