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

• 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

Use a soft cloth and a mixture of warm water and a detergent or multipurpose cleaner to remove any gunk and stuck-on food before beginning the cleaning process. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025

Marta Taboada’s casket was atop the hearse, covered in a white cloth and surrounded by carnations. —Mariana Enriquez october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025

This revisiting of the history of Ghanaian handicraft appears in works such as Beasts of No Nation, 2013–22, a wood panel (sharing a name with musician Fela Kuti’s 1989 album and Uzodinma Iweala’s 2005 novel) wrapped in wax-print cloth that echoes the vibrant textiles seen in Ghanaian markets. —Edna Bonhomme, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025

First, use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust and debris, then spritz each lens once with the lens spray. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025

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