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cloth

noun, often attributive
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\ ˈklȯth How to pronounce cloth (audio) \
plural cloths\ ˈklȯt͟hz How to pronounce cloths (audio) , ˈklȯths How to pronounce cloths (audio) \

Definition of cloth

1a : a pliable material made usually by weaving, felting, or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and filaments terry cloth a linen cloth
b : a similar material (as of glass) Woven glass cloth produces a strong laminate.
2 : a piece of cloth adapted for a particular purpose especially : tablecloth
3a : a distinctive dress of a profession or calling
b : the dress of the clergy also : clergy had respect for the cloth
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Synonyms for cloth

Synonyms

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Examples of cloth in a Sentence

The dress is made out of a beautiful silk cloth. Wipe the surface with a clean dry cloth. He has great respect for the cloth.
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Recent Examples on the Web Crafted by Japanese puppet maker Ichiro Komuro, the puppets are made of wood, wire, cloth, leather and yak hair and stand less than 1 foot tall. — Kelsie Smith, CNN, "The original puppets from 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' are going up for auction," 17 Oct. 2020 Like really, with everything else going on in the world, keeping up with a small cut of cloth or paper can be a tedious task. — Blake Newby, Allure, "These Face Masks Are the Most Practical Deal of Amazon Prime Day," 14 Oct. 2020 Green says to use cling wrap ($3, Walmart) or a sterile, non-fluffy cloth ($8, Amazon) to apply the product. — Jennifer Aldrich, Better Homes & Gardens, "How to Treat Burns At Home When Your At-Home Wax Goes Awry," 14 Oct. 2020 Reviewers love this one from Mysuntown, which features a soft faux fur interior, is windproof, and has a removable face mask that adds an extra layer of warmth but should not replace your cloth or disposable face masks. — Courtney Campbell, USA TODAY, "12 things that will keep you warm outdoors this winter," 7 Oct. 2020 For the health and safety of all attendees, appropriate cloth or surgical-style masks that cover the nose and mouth completely will be required at all times while on campus of the State Fair and in Cotton Bowl Stadium. — Scott Bell, Dallas News, "No tailgating, 25% capacity, special concessions: Everything fans need to know about Saturday’s Red River Showdown," 7 Oct. 2020 For those who aren't aware, paper and cloth face coverings (not mesh ones!) have been shown to greatly reduce the rate of transmission of the coronavirus, and are incredibly easy to use. — Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, "Lana Del Rey Just Wore a Mesh Face Mask to Meet Fans—and People Are Not Having It," 3 Oct. 2020 Some attendees, though not all, wore cloth or surgical-type masks. — Rachael Levy, WSJ, "Acting Homeland Security Chief’s Confirmation Hearing Brings Pointed Questioning," 23 Sep. 2020 Authorities found that he had been bound by rope and duct tape, and wrapped in cloth and plastic. — NBC News, "'Not a random act': Four charged after Black man is strangled, set on fire in Iowa ditch," 23 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cloth.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of cloth

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for cloth

Middle English, from Old English clāth cloth, garment; akin to Middle High German kleit garment

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Time Traveler for cloth

Time Traveler

The first known use of cloth was before the 12th century

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Statistics for cloth

Last Updated

21 Oct 2020

Cite this Entry

“Cloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cloth. Accessed 22 Oct. 2020.

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More Definitions for cloth

cloth

noun
How to pronounce cloth (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of cloth

: material that is made by weaving together threads of cotton, wool, nylon, etc., and that is used to make clothes, sheets, etc.
: a piece of cloth that is used for a particular purpose (such as cleaning things)
: Christian priests and ministers

See the full definition for cloth in the English Language Learners Dictionary

cloth

noun
\ ˈklȯth How to pronounce cloth (audio) \
plural cloths\ ˈklȯt͟hz , ˈklȯths \

Kids Definition of cloth

1 : a woven or knitted material (as of cotton or nylon)
2 : a piece of cloth for a certain use a polishing cloth
3 : tablecloth

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More from Merriam-Webster on cloth

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cloth

Nglish: Translation of cloth for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of cloth for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cloth

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