broadcloth

American  

[brawd-klawth, -kloth] / ˈbrɔdˌklɔθ, -ˌklɒθ /

noun

Textiles.

1. a closely woven dress-goods fabric of cotton, rayon, silk, or a mixture of these fibers, having a soft, mercerized finish and resembling poplin.

2. a woolen or worsted fabric constructed in a plain or twill weave, having a compact texture and lustrous finish.

3. any fabric woven on a wide loom.

---

broadcloth British  

/ ˈbrɔːdˌklɒθ /

noun

1. fabric woven on a wide loom

2. a closely woven fabric of wool, worsted, cotton, or rayon with lustrous finish, used for clothing

---

Etymology

Origin of broadcloth

First recorded in 1400–50, broadcloth is from late Middle English brode clothe. See broad, cloth

Compare meaning

How does broadcloth compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• broadcloth vs. poplin

Example Sentences

He first played there in 1937, in the depths of the Great Depression, when players wore broadcloth shirts and neckties, and corn whisky flowed at the tournament Bobby Jones called the Augusta National Invitation.

From Golf Digest

Wool broadcloth was the traditional option, although Hansen sometimes substitutes less expensive fabrics when a customer’s budget is especially tight, Murray said.

From Washington Post

In late April, one of those walnut coffins, covered in black broadcloth, will lie in state in Peekskill’s depot, with Civil War re-enactors standing sentry.

From Washington Times

George Washington was so leery of seeming to be like a king that he wore a plain brown broadcloth suit to his first inauguration.

From Washington Post

Vernon attributes the brand's devoted following to its careful attention to shaping, color and fabrics, most of which are cotton jersey and stretch broadcloth.

From Los Angeles Times