clothing

1 of 2

noun

cloth·​ing ˈklō-t͟hiŋ 

: items (as of cloth) designed to be worn to cover the body

The children and their teachers strolled up the path, the colors of their winter clothing bright against the monotone of the field.

—Ward Just

… radiating vibrance through her bright clothing and makeup.

—Hannah Jones

also : coverings

… seeks to regulate and adopt flammability standards to upholstered furniture, mattresses, bed clothing and candles.

—Home Textiles Today

see also:

wolf in sheep's clothing

clothing

2 of 2

present participle of clothe

Synonyms of clothing

Noun

• clothes
• attire
• garments
• apparel
• dress

Examples of clothing in a Sentence

Noun

an expensive article of clothing

We're collecting food and clothing for the poor.

Only people wearing protective clothing may enter the room.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

With his unkempt hair and ragamuffin clothing — was that a rope holding up his pants? — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

On the third floor lounge, plush furry blankets reminiscent of Greenland's ubiquitous sealskin clothing make the space cozy, though everything feels polished and put together. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

With her own clothing brand launched in 2021, Kinsey Fit, Wolanski as a sports influencer has partnered with major brands like Adidas, Netflix, Amazon prime, YouTube TV, Draft Kings and Recover 180. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

The San Francisco company announced a multiyear partnership with Just Your Type, a five-member, pop boy band, as part of the launch of a clothing collection and a national mall tour in which the band will perform live. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing clothing

• nonrestrictive clothing
• not wearing a stitch (of clothes/clothing)
• wolf in sheep's clothing

Rhymes for clothing

• underclothing

Kids Definition

clothing

noun

cloth·​ing ˈklō-t͟hiŋ 

1

: covering for the human body

2

: something that covers or conceals