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

Traces of dishwasher cleaner left behind in the drum or dispenser could transfer to towels, sheets, or clothing during the next cycle. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2026

Depop’s 2026 Trends Report logged a 579% jump in searches for workwear jackets, pointing to broad appetite for dependable, repeatable clothing. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026

However, the survey noted that this year clothing shares the spot with gift cards. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026

The chemicals are also used in nonstick, water- and grease-resistant products, including clothing and cookware. — CBS News, 4 Nov. 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