cloth

play

noun, often attributive \ ˈklȯth \

Definition of cloth

plural cloths play \ˈklȯt͟hz, ˈklȯths\

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

See cloth defined for English-language learners

See cloth defined for kids

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 of cloth from the Web

The store's interior will feature white cabinets with pale teal and brown grass cloth on the walls and ceiling.

— erin hegarty, Naperville Sun, "More frozen treats, clothing store options arriving in Naperville," 26 Aug. 2017
That’s when West said the man lit a Molotov cocktail — which is typically a bottle filled with gasoline or another accelerant, with a piece of cloth stuck in the neck to act as a fuse.

— sara jean green, The Seattle Times, "Auburn man burns deputy with Molotov cocktail, then dies in shed fire, authorities say," 2 Aug. 2017
Nancy Carlson, of Inverness, Illinois, got an ordinary-looking bag made of white Beta cloth and polyester with rubberized nylon and a brass zipper.

— Bloomberg.com, "Moon Dust Heading to Auction After Galactic Court Battle," 20 July 2017
The Alabama Retail Association is reminding shoppers that diapers - both cloth and disposable - are tax exempt during this weekend's event.

— leada gore, AL.com, "You can buy diapers tax free in Alabama this weekend," 19 July 2017
Kat Wahbam, 25, of Richmond, Kentucky What's in your fanny pack? - Commemorative presidential cloth with Barack Obama's face on it, buttons, money, tickets, bourbon cup, temporary tattoo, glasses.

— thomas novelly, The Courier-Journal, "The Fannys of Forecastle – festival attendees show off their Fanny Packs," 16 July 2017
The one small hitch Friday had nothing to do with public backlash – the group had trouble peeling off the black cloth that covered the statue.

— mark zaleski, The Seattle Times, "Statue of ‘Scopes monkey trial’ evolution backer unveiled," 14 July 2017
The one small hitch Friday had nothing to do with public backlash - the group had trouble peeling off the black cloth that covered the statue.

— Washington Post, "Statue of ‘Scopes monkey trial’ evolution backer unveiled," 14 July 2017
Fancy Grilled Cheese Prefer your comfort food with a cloth napkin and a wine pairing?

— marielle wakim, Los Angeles Magazine, "Best of LA: 92 of Our Favorite Things to Eat, Do, and Buy Right Now," 14 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of cloth

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

cloth Synonyms

Synonyms

fabric, textile

Antonyms

laity

Related Words

fiber, thread, yarn; rag

Other Textiles Terms

batt, bias, brocade, duck, flock, lawn, toile

CLOTH Defined for English Language Learners

cloth

play

noun

Definition of cloth for English Language Learners

: 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)
the cloth : Christian priests and ministers