cloth

noun

ˈklȯth 

plural cloths ˈklȯt͟hz  ˈklȯths 

often attributive

1

a

: 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

3

a

: a distinctive dress of a profession or calling

b

: the dress of the clergy

also : clergy

had respect for the cloth

Synonyms of cloth

• fabric
• textile

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

His character in Netflix’s eight-part crime thriller, meanwhile, is cut from a different cloth. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

There are plenty of storage cubes on sale, like this $22 six-pack and these cloth storage bins that sold 9,000 times last month. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2026

Liberty is also stocking fabric dust bags, matching cleaning cloths, handwoven envelopes and note cards as part of its service in the new space. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026

As far as menswear essentials go, chinos are right up there with the blue blazer and the oxford cloth button-down. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing cloth

• a man of the cloth
• cloth yard
• cut from the same cloth
• drop cloth
• grass cloth
• ground cloth
• hardware cloth
• kente cloth
• man of the cloth
• monk's cloth
• out of whole cloth
• piña cloth
• press cloth
• sponge cloth
• tea cloth
• the cloth
• venetian cloth
• whole cloth
• wire cloth

Rhymes for cloth

• broth
• doth
• froth
• goth
• loth
• moth
• swath
• wroth
• broadcloth
• cheesecloth
• loincloth
• neckcloth

Kids Definition

cloth

noun

ˈklȯth 

plural cloths ˈklȯt͟hz  ˈklȯths 

1

: a woven or knitted material (as of cotton or nylon)

2

: a piece of cloth used for a particular purpose

a polishing cloth

3

: tablecloth