- present participle of clothe.
clothing
Americannoun
-
garments collectively
-
something that covers or clothes
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of clothing
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; clothe + -ing 1
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How does clothing compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Clothing is what your wear, like sweaters, shirts, pants, dresses, and so on. Your favorite piece of clothing might be your purple polka dotted tights. Clothing is made of fabric and covers our bodies, keeps them warm or protects them from the sun, insects, sharp rocks and thorns, and other hazards. In some situations, clothing keeps people safe, as when medical workers wear scrubs, gloves, and masks to protect themselves and patients from infection. Often clothing reflects your personal values or religion, like a Muslim woman's hijab that covers her hair. The Old English root is claþ, "cloth or woven material."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Muhannad al-Tamimi, whose house had been occupied by soldiers since the operation began, returned to a trashed apartment with furniture and clothing littering the floors, mattresses overturned and a child's bicycle broken.
From Barron's ● Nov. 2, 2026
She's luckier than others in her position, she says, with her hotel letting her stay free of charge in its staff accommodation and friendly locals providing her with food and clothing.
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026
Their clothing has become a measure of their authenticity and appeal.
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026
The room offers an organized setting for displaying clothing, footwear, and accessories, with its glass-front storage giving the space the appearance of a private luxury showroom.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 29, 2026
Booth’s passions included fine clothing, Southern honor, good manners, beautiful women, and the romance of lost causes.
From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson
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