clothing

noun

cloth·​ing ˈklō-t͟hiŋ 

: items (as of cloth) designed to be worn to cover the body

The children and their teachers strolled up the path, the colors of their winter clothing bright against the monotone of the field.

—Ward Just

… radiating vibrance through her bright clothing and makeup.

—Hannah Jones

also : coverings

… seeks to regulate and adopt flammability standards to upholstered furniture, mattresses, bed clothing and candles.

—Home Textiles Today

Synonyms of clothing

• clothes
• attire
• garments
• apparel
• dress

Examples of clothing in a Sentence

an expensive article of clothing

We're collecting food and clothing for the poor.

Only people wearing protective clothing may enter the room.

Recent Examples on the Web

The ecommerce giant is also expected to make its clothing lines available in five Galeries Lafayette malls, which like BHV is owned by the Société des Grands Magasins (SGM) group in the cities of Dijon, Grenoble, Reims, Angers, and Limoges, though the dates are not set. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Nov. 2025

Success begot success, and in the two decades that followed, her company expanded to become a global lifestyle brand involving accessories, clothing, home goods, and more. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025

The actress styled a scarlet red midi dress from the Italian high fashion women’s clothing and accessory brand, with styling provided by Elizabeth Stewart and Jordan Grossman. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025

Husbands and fathers were supposed to meet their major needs for food, shelter, and clothing. —Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing clothing

• nonrestrictive clothing
• not wearing a stitch (of clothes/clothing)
• wolf in sheep's clothing

Rhymes for clothing

• underclothing

Kids Definition

clothing

noun

cloth·​ing ˈklō-t͟hiŋ 

1

: covering for the human body

2

: something that covers or conceals