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

Patagonia Men’s Lightweight Synchilla Snap-t Fleece Pullover Patagonia is another brand known for outdoor clothing that’s both sustainable and fashionable. —Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025

Livakovic was speaking to The Athletic as an ambassador for clothing and lifestyle brand Mackage, and its recently launched ‘Protect Your Craft’ range. —Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025

Gone are the armies of assistants and trucks filled with clothing, or the crowds of onlookers hoping to catch a glimpse of a top model. —Megan Williams, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025

Gibson, then 34, saw the pictorial in a classy, peekaboo way and even had a clothing budget. —Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 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