sackcloth

noun

sack·​cloth ˈsa(k)-ˌklȯth 

1

: a coarse cloth of goat or camel's hair or of flax, hemp, or cotton

2

: a garment of sackcloth worn as a sign of mourning or penitence

Examples of sackcloth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These people wore sackcloth, were sprinkled with ashes and remained apart until they were reconciled with the Christian community. — Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Feb. 2026

Basically a man who had built a solid reputation as a career university president naively entered the Church of Florida Autocracy, donned sackcloth and ashes and prostrated himself … ultimately for no heavenly reward whatsoever. — Ron Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2025

Activists cloaked in sackcloth marched outside the parking lots. — Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025

The tradition of receiving ashes originates from biblical times when wearing sackcloth and ashes symbolized repentance. — Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

sack entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sackcloth

• don/wear sackcloth and ashes

Rhymes for sackcloth

• broadcloth
• cheesecloth
• loincloth
• neckcloth
• oilcloth
• washcloth
• zeroth
• broth
• cloth
• doth
• froth
• goth

Kids Definition

sackcloth

noun

sack·​cloth ˈsak-ˌ(k)lȯth 

1

: rough cloth for sacks

2

: a garment of sackcloth worn as a sign of sorrow