whole cloth

noun

: pure fabrication
usually used in the phrase out of whole cloth
The theory was created out of whole cloth.

Examples of whole cloth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The exciting part is that these devices will provide hardware not previously available in the Windows ecosystem, creating a new class of device out of whole cloth. Luke Larsen, Wired News, 3 June 2026 Instead, breaking with foundational conservative legal principles, the majority created sweeping presidential immunity out of whole cloth. Gregg Nunziata, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026 These types of hyperbolic claims, made up out of whole cloth, stoke fears. John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026 Even veteran frequent travelers have trouble keeping track of the hundreds of hotel brands out there, many of which have been created out of whole cloth in recent years. Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whole cloth

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whole cloth was in 1823

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whole cloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20cloth. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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