clothing

1 of 2

noun

cloth·​ing ˈklō-t͟hiŋ How to pronounce clothing (audio)
Synonyms of clothingnext
: 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

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Noun

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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
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.
Noun
The clothing company Patagonia joined the environmental groups in their petition. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 The book also looks back at the scrutiny surrounding her clothing choices and appearance during husband Barack Obama's presidential campaigns and his two terms in the White House. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Having worked in the fashion industry, Quinn remembered that there was an upscale clothing store, White Cherry Boutique, located just around the corner. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Her father was a clothing manufacturer and her mother a Hunter College graduate who founded and ran a nursery school. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clothing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clothing was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing clothing

Rhymes for clothing

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Browse Nearby Words

clothify
clothing
clothing wool
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clothing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clothing. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

clothing

noun
cloth·​ing ˈklō-t͟hiŋ How to pronounce clothing (audio)
1
: covering for the human body
2
: something that covers or conceals
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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