cloth

noun

ˈklȯth 

plural cloths ˈklȯt͟hz  ˈklȯths 

often attributive

1

a

: a pliable material made usually by weaving, felting, or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and filaments

terry cloth

a linen cloth

b

: a similar material (as of glass)

Woven glass cloth produces a strong laminate.

2

: a piece of cloth adapted for a particular purpose

especially : tablecloth

3

a

: a distinctive dress of a profession or calling

b

: the dress of the clergy

also : clergy

had respect for the cloth

Synonyms of cloth

• fabric
• textile

Examples of cloth in a Sentence

The dress is made out of a beautiful silk cloth.

Wipe the surface with a clean dry cloth.

He has great respect for the cloth.

Recent Examples on the Web

For millennial veterans who have worn the nation’s cloth, Veterans’ Day is an annual reminder to reflect on our service and to recommit to it. — Brandon J Archuleta, Oc Register, 11 Nov. 2026

My favorite is a German Pasteboard sketchbook ($20-$40), made with a blank chipboard cover, a bright cloth spine in a selection of Bauhaus colors (red, yellow, and blue), and natural white paper suitable for ink drawing. — Nicholas Blechman, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2026

Because the cannabis plant has other uses -- seeds are pressed for oil and fibers used for cloth -- their presence alone doesn't confirm drug use. — Mary Evans, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026

Using a Sponge A clean microfiber cloth is the best option when using a dishwasher tablet to clean your oven glass door. — Annita Katee, Martha Stewart, 8 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English clāth cloth, garment; akin to Middle High German kleit garment

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cloth

• a man of the cloth
• cloth yard
• cut from the same cloth
• drop cloth
• grass cloth
• ground cloth
• hardware cloth
• kente cloth
• man of the cloth
• monk's cloth
• out of whole cloth
• piña cloth
• press cloth
• sponge cloth
• tea cloth
• the cloth
• venetian cloth
• whole cloth
• wire cloth

Rhymes for cloth

• broth
• doth
• froth
• goth
• loth
• moth
• swath
• wroth
• broadcloth
• cheesecloth
• loincloth
• neckcloth

Kids Definition

cloth

noun

ˈklȯth 

plural cloths ˈklȯt͟hz  ˈklȯths 

1

: a woven or knitted material (as of cotton or nylon)

2

: a piece of cloth used for a particular purpose

a polishing cloth

3

: tablecloth