clothing

American  

[kloh-thing] / ˈkloʊ ðɪŋ /

noun

1. garments collectively; clothes; clothes; raiment; apparel.

2. a covering.

---

clothing British  

/ ˈkləʊðɪŋ /

noun

1. garments collectively

2. something that covers or clothes

---

clothing Idioms  

1. see wolf in sheep's clothing.

---

Etymology

Origin of clothing

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; clothe + -ing ¹

Compare meaning

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

• clothes vs. clothing

Example Sentences

This includes whether contaminated clothing could transfer lead to other items in the wash and how detergents interact with the chemical.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

Rubino said she’ll tie the clothing items up with a colorful ribbon to “make sure it fits with the aesthetic.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

The gains were broad based, with Americans spending more on cars, clothing, and at restaurants.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Willis is a creative director at clothing brand Adidas.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Nobody is in the back, either, where undershirts flap on a clothing line and a garden bed, dirt and weeds in November, sits waiting to be readied for spring.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse