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

• 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

Items belonging to Soe, including clothing, were also found and recovered, police said. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025

At a royal center like Eastry in Kent, many accents might be found as well as different ways of wearing clothing. —Duncan Sayer, JSTOR Daily, 2 Oct. 2025

The space was lined with rows of tables and bins, divided into categories like electronics, clothing, home goods and Disney-specific merchandise. —Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025

Best Tips for First-Time Thrifters For thrifting clothing, Handley recommends carefully checking seams, zippers, underarms, and care labels. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 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