cloth

noun

ˈklȯth 

plural cloths ˈklȯt͟hz  ˈklȯths 

often attributive

1

a

: a pliable material made usually by weaving, felting, or knitting natural or synthetic fibers and filaments

terry cloth

a linen cloth

b

: a similar material (as of glass)

Woven glass cloth produces a strong laminate.

2

: a piece of cloth adapted for a particular purpose

especially : tablecloth

3

a

: a distinctive dress of a profession or calling

b

: the dress of the clergy

also : clergy

had respect for the cloth

Synonyms of cloth

• fabric
• textile

Examples of cloth in a Sentence

The dress is made out of a beautiful silk cloth.

Wipe the surface with a clean dry cloth.

He has great respect for the cloth.

Recent Examples on the Web

The polyester cloth was scratchy on my thighs, the fit inexact. —Benny Peterson, Vogue, 4 May 2026

Dip a white cloth in water and blot the red wine stain. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 May 2026

If the sand has already been used, consumers are advised to carefully clean the area using wet cloths to avoid creating dust, while wearing gloves and a mask. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026

The harvest ends before the midday heat can damage the petals, which are kept covered in wet cloth to stay cool. —Cecilia Vega, CBS News, 3 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English clāth cloth, garment; akin to Middle High German kleit garment

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cloth

• a man of the cloth
• cloth yard
• cut from the same cloth
• drop cloth
• grass cloth
• ground cloth
• hardware cloth
• kente cloth
• man of the cloth
• monk's cloth
• out of whole cloth
• piña cloth
• press cloth
• sponge cloth
• tea cloth
• the cloth
• venetian cloth
• whole cloth
• wire cloth

Rhymes for cloth

• broth
• doth
• froth
• goth
• loth
• moth
• swath
• wroth
• broadcloth
• cheesecloth
• loincloth
• neckcloth

Kids Definition

cloth

noun

ˈklȯth 

plural cloths ˈklȯt͟hz  ˈklȯths 

1

: a woven or knitted material (as of cotton or nylon)

2

: a piece of cloth used for a particular purpose

a polishing cloth

3

: tablecloth