quilt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quilt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a type of blanket made of fabric layers, often stitched together, or metaphorically to describe something that is made up of various elements. Example: "She wrapped herself in a warm quilt while reading by the fireplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The kind of bedspread called counterpane, from the old French word contrepoinct, meaning "stitched quilt," was probably made of patched or applied pieces, quilted together.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I no longer struggled to get on with other people, because there weren't any under my quilt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Doctor, doctor, I've swallowed a quilt.

The Guardian

Child-care arrangements are often a complicated patchwork quilt of paid help, family, friends and neighbours.

The Economist

In half an hour, your correspondent saw only a trickle of customers and just four items being sold: a pencil, a wind-up plastic frog, a quilt and a golden statuette of a soldier.

The Economist

He concludes that the old ideas of left-right politics and nation-states are giving way to a more integrated and consensual future, with sovereignty stitched together in an untidy patchwork quilt.

The Economist

Fans hope this will pre-empt the patchwork quilt of state laws governing breach reporting, which Scott Vernick of Fox Rothschild, a law firm, calls a "costly legislative soup" (see article).Another proposal would make it easier for companies to share intelligence about digital threats with the government.

The Economist

They depend on a patchwork quilt of child care relatives, friends, paid-for help which is as good as they can afford, and sometimes not good enough.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Russia today is a crazy-quilt of regions with wildly different economic and political structures.The new Russia, like its predecessor, the Soviet republic, calls itself a federation.

The Economist

While the prime minister is stumping the country, Ms McKew is addressing local groups ranging from the chamber of commerce to recreational quilt-makers".A lot of Liberal voters are volunteering that they're prepared to shift their vote," she tells me.

The Economist

His crazy-quilt career takes him through one role after another: a fool, a woman, an officer's adjutant, a Robin Hood-like highwayman, an army officer, a prisoner of war, a pilgrim, a nobleman, and a snake-oil salesman.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quilt" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the idea of something composed of diverse elements combined into a unified whole. For example, a "quilt" of laws refers to various regulations patched together.

Common error

Avoid using "quilt" solely to describe simple combinations. The term implies a deliberate arrangement of distinct components, not just any collection of items.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "quilt" is either as a noun, referring to a bed covering, or as a verb, denoting the action of making a quilt. As Ludwig AI shows, examples confirm both usages, often in contexts related to domestic crafts or metaphorical descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

23%

News & Media

67%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "quilt" is a versatile term, functioning both as a noun to describe a type of bed covering and as a verb to denote the act of creating one. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in encyclopedic entries and news media, "quilt" often appears in contexts related to domestic crafts or metaphorical descriptions, where it signifies something composed of diverse elements stitched together. Although its origins lean towards informal settings, the term maintains a neutral register across various sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bedspread

Focuses specifically on the item's use as a covering for a bed.

comforter

Emphasizes the item's function of providing warmth and comfort.

coverlet

Highlights the item's role as a decorative bed covering.

patchwork blanket

Emphasizes the construction method using various pieces of fabric.

stitched blanket

Highlights the method of joining fabric layers together.

bedding

Refers to all items used to cover a bed.

fabric art

Emphasizes the artistic and decorative aspect of quilt making.

layered blanket

Focuses on the construction of the quilt by placing layers of fabric over one another.

textile covering

Describes the item in terms of the material used.

duvet

A thick, soft quilt filled with down, feathers, or a synthetic alternative, used as a bed covering.

FAQs

How is "quilt" used as a noun?

As a noun, "quilt" refers to a bed covering made of two layers of fabric stitched together with a layer of insulation in between. For example: "She wrapped herself in a warm quilt on the cold winter night."

Can "quilt" be used as a verb?

Yes, "quilt" can be used as a verb, meaning to create a quilt or to stitch layers of fabric together. For example: "My grandmother loves to quilt during her free time."

What are some synonyms for "quilt" when referring to a bed covering?

Synonyms for "quilt" include "bedspread", "comforter", and "coverlet". The choice depends on the specific type of covering and the context.

How does the metaphorical use of "quilt" differ from a literal "quilt"?

Metaphorically, "quilt" refers to something composed of many different elements or parts stitched together to form a whole. Unlike a literal quilt, which is a physical object, the metaphorical "quilt" describes abstract concepts such as a "quilt" of laws or a "quilt" of experiences.