cloth

noun, often attributive \ ˈklȯth \

Updated on: 24 Apr 2018

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

Store your shoes in cloth shoe bags to keep them from getting dusty.

— james lynch, Popular Mechanics, "How to Make Your Leather Shoes Last Forever," 19 Apr. 2018
The origins of the slicker date to 19th-century Britain, when cloth coats were treated with oils like linseed to resist rain.

— steve garbarino, WSJ, "Why City Slickers Should Consider This Classic Rain Gear," 17 Apr. 2018
Despite being born thousands of miles from Texas and decades later, Bourdais is cut from the same cloth.

— jim ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Bourdais steals the show at Long Beach with fireworks on and off the track," 16 Apr. 2018
Despite being born thousands of miles from Texas and decades later, Bourdais is cut from the same cloth.

— jim ayello, USA TODAY Sports, "Ayello: Sebastien Bourdais ignites fireworks at Long Beach, steals the show," 16 Apr. 2018
The defense argues the limited evidence comes from an unsealed box located in a sheriff’s freezer in 2005, with various items such as microscope slides, cigarette butts and cloth cuttings loosely co-mingled from many cases.

— marc freeman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Is this 70-something former South Florida 'Superthief' the 'Gentle Rapist'who tormented women 40-years ago?," 14 Apr. 2018
The biggest misconception is that cloth diapering is hard.

— erin sauder, Elgin Courier-News, "Down to Business: Protecting babies' bottoms (and other parts) goal of Green Lil' Bums," 13 Apr. 2018
The burial of Christ was reenacted by placing a cloth shroud in a carved wooden tomb.

— joe songer, AL.com, "Awesome dogs and owners we saw at Mutt Strut 2018," 7 Apr. 2018
Silky polar bear cloth To mimic polar bear hair and to turn it into a weavable thread, the researchers turned to another natural fiber: silk.

— chris lee, Ars Technica, "Porous silk fiber traps heat, hides a rabbit from IR camera," 4 Apr. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

cloth Synonyms

Other Textiles Terms

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

CLOTH Defined for English Language Learners

cloth

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