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

Consumers have generally soured on an economy weighed down by more expensive gas, groceries, and clothing, among other items. — Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

The researchers asked 84 men and women of varying ages and lifestyles to wear the shorts under their normal clothing all day for at least three days, while continuing with their everyday lives. — Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 28 Oct. 2026

The Row presented a twist on the minimalism the brand is known for — which, Wong argues, resulted in more humanized and wearable pieces of clothing. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026

Officers found camouflage clothing, a pistol and a radio elsewhere in the room. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 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