clothing

1 of 2

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

see also:

wolf in sheep's clothing

clothing

2 of 2

present participle of clothe

Synonyms of clothing

Noun

• clothes
• attire
• garments
• apparel
• dress

Examples of clothing in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Amazon has marked down thousands of travel essentials, from cozy clothing and comfortable shoes to durable luggage, travel bags, and handy accessories that make getting from point A to point B a little easier. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2026

Inflation has shown some signs of easing in recent months but is still high, frustrating consumers who are struggling with more expensive gas, groceries, clothing and other essentials. — ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026

The Salvation Army provided more than food, clothing and shelter. — Sophia Leone, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

The spectacle of a powerful, disruptive woman changed into the spectacle of a woman running, crying and screaming, and the woman isn’t self-possessed in beautiful makeup and clothing but falling down in the mud. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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