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cloth

noun, often attributive
\ˈklȯth \
plural cloths\ˈklȯt͟hz, ˈklȯths \

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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about cloth

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Synonyms & Antonyms for cloth

Synonyms

church, clergy, ministry, spirituality, spiritualty

Antonyms

laity

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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

 Dry wiping cloths were used as pot holders for cooking equipment. — Robert Gundran, azcentral, "Restaurant with no sneeze guard on salsa bar among this week's violations," 11 July 2018 First: Strain it through a clean cloth to remove any floating matter. — sandiegouniontribune.com, "Here's what you should buy for your home should disaster strike," 8 July 2018 Weed cloth does not reduce weeds and in fact harms the soil and the beneficial microbes that live in soil. — Nan Sterman, latimes.com, "What to do in your garden in July? Less is more," 6 July 2018 The packaging also snaps shut, so the cloths won't dry out over time. — Tanisha Pina, Allure, "Ulta Is Having a Huge Summer Beauty Sale Right Now," 3 July 2018 By contrast, the drug distributed by the Qbrexza cloth will block sweat production by inhibiting sweat glands. — Brittany Shoot, Fortune, "FDA Approves Qbrexza, the First-Ever Prescription Treatment for Excessive Sweating," 2 July 2018 Qbrexza is a cloth that can be applied to the skin daily to reduce perspiration by blocking sweat gland activation, according to an announcement from manufacturer Dermira. — Jamie Ducharme, Time, "The FDA Approved a Topical Treatment for Excessive Underarm Sweating," 30 June 2018 The drug is inside a cloth wiped over the skin daily to block sweat glands from activating. — Washington Post, "FDA OKs first drug made to reduce excessive sweating," 30 June 2018 The cloth—which would be applied directly to the armpits—works to block sweat production by inhibiting the sweat gland. — Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, "The FDA Approves Qbrexza Wipes to Stop Excessive Underarm Sweating​​," 29 June 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.

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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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Dictionary Entries near cloth

clotbur

clot-buster

clote

cloth

cloth beam

clothbound

clothe

Phrases Related to cloth

cut from the same cloth

man of the cloth

out of whole cloth

tea cloth

the cloth

Statistics for cloth

Last Updated

24 Sep 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for cloth

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

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More Definitions for cloth

cloth

noun

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)

the cloth : Christian priests and ministers

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

cloth

noun
\ˈklȯth \
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

See words that rhyme with cloth

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cloth

Spanish Central: Translation of 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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