clothe

verb

ˈklōt͟h 

clothed or clad ˈklad  ; 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 humanity.

—D. R. Wallace

Synonyms of clothe

• dress
• garment
• apparel
• costume
• gown
• attire
• toilet
• garb

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

My fellow guests are largely Lycra-clad and yoga-ready or wearing the resort’s fluffy robes to wander its halls, and more than half will return for a repeat visit within 18 months, one of the staffers tells me. — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026

Designed around century-old oak trees, the home is clad in limestone and natural timber, reflecting the principles of organic modernism. — Sandra Barrera, Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026

In its café, romantic classical tableaux adorn the walls; the banquettes are clad in amethyst velvet; and marble tiles are arranged in geometric patterns on the floor. — Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026

The model is clad in light-wash cut-off jean shorts, a navy blue T-shirt, and white sneakers, with her hair up un a claw clip. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for clothe

• loathe

Kids Definition

clothe

verb

ˈklōt͟h 

clothed or clad ˈklad  ; 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