clothing

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

Synonyms of clothing

• clothes
• attire
• garments
• apparel
• dress

Examples of clothing in a Sentence

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

Carry a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket and additional warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026

Mangione wore beige prison clothing to the hearing and spoke animatedly with his defense team. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026

The essential oils may also attach appealing scents to your clothing. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026

The kinds of campaigns people typically crowdfund for on Kickstarter include book publishing, board games, clothing and apparel brands, apps and more. —Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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