clothing

American  

[kloh-thing] / ˈkloʊ ðɪŋ /

noun

1. garments collectively; clothes; raiment; apparel.

2. a covering.

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clothing British  

/ ˈkləʊðɪŋ /

noun

1. garments collectively

2. something that covers or clothes

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clothing Idioms  

1. see wolf in sheep's clothing.

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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

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

“What will not qualify is clothing or household items. The deduction is not available for gifts to donor-advised funds, private grant foundations and supporting organizations.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Higher transportation costs could push up the price of food, clothing and other essentials.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

L.A.-based clothing retailer Guess is going all-in on the accommodations with its Guess Compound.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Before the rally, many gathered lined up to have a quick chat with Tisza candidates to get their autographs and bought Hungarian flags, or Tisza-branded souvenirs and clothing from pop-up vendors as music blared.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

But they’d seen crates of summer clothing loaded into their ships.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin