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
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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 Deniers claim that the gas chambers never existed and that the Holocaust is either grossly exaggerated or fabricated out of whole cloth. Elliott Broidy, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026 Making up this story out of whole cloth? Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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