clothed or clad ˈklad How to pronounce clothe (audio) ; clothing

transitive verb

1
a
: to cover with or as if with cloth or clothing : dress
b
: to provide with clothes
the cost of feeding and clothing a family
2
: to express or enhance by suitably significant language : couch
treaties clothed in stately phraseology
3
: to endow especially with power or a quality
the nobility in which religion and history can clothe humanityD. R. Wallace

Examples of clothe in a Sentence

the cost of feeding and clothing your children they liked to clothe the twins in identical outfits just to confuse people
Recent Examples on the Web The welcome crew of upbeat butlers—one whisked my bag to my suite, while another handed me an old-fashioned—clad in chic uniforms by designer Jackson Wiederhoeft left an equally lovely impression. Katie Chang, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 The heart of the home is the living room, which features double-height vaulted ceilings clad in cedar and a floor-to-ceiling, wood-burning stone fireplace. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 29 Nov. 2023 Though the term was not yet used at the time, her diva mold of a muscular physique clad in bikini-style outfits continues as a major part of the brand’s promotion. Jonah Valdez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Nov. 2023 Opened by French Chinese sisters Claire and Valia Gontard, whose grandfather grew up on Lombok, the hotel's airy villas, clad in polished concrete and blond woods, open onto snug balconies with saltwater plunge pools and views of the surrounding countryside. Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Nov. 2023 Tiffani Evans laced her fingers with the women clothed in all black. Jasmine Hilton, Washington Post, 25 Nov. 2023 Exteriors are clad in six inches of volcanic stone that was mined on site, which keeps cool air in and humidity out. Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2023 In March, at the 2023 Oscars, the Desperate Housewives star — clad in another stunning high-neck gown — chatted with PEOPLE about the film, which premiered the day before the award ceremony. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 13 Nov. 2023 The most aggressive question came from a fourth family member, clad in a cowboy hat. Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 13 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clothe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English clāthian, from clāth

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of clothe was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near clothe

Cite this Entry

“Clothe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clothe. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

clothe

verb
clothed or clad ˈklad How to pronounce clothe (audio) ; clothing
1
a
: to cover with or as if with clothing : dress
b
: to provide with clothes
2
: to express in a certain way
clothe your thoughts clearly

More from Merriam-Webster on clothe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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