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

Last month, a 6-year-old student told his mother after class that Stormont had touched his lower parts over his clothing, the arrest report read. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2025

Barriers to aid Government assistance like FEMA and nonprofit aid groups like Salvation Army and Samaritan’s Purse have been the lifeline for Texas flood victims left in need of clothing, food and housing. —Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025

Highlights include free services and giveaways including groceries, diapers, backpacks, clothing, haircuts and more. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025

The group takes in goods people no longer need — clothing, furniture, appliances and other household items — and gives them to people in need for free. —Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 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