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

The Civil Guard said two people were identified through DNA samples taken from the seized clothing.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

The prayer appears on every page, along with the daily log of dresses he’d sold at one of the clothing stores he owns in the Los Angeles Fashion District.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

They specialize in California heritage-style clothing for men.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Copley revolutionized American portraiture through his deft handling of paint and, still more, through his use of objects and clothing to combine individual psychology with social status.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

By 1916, food and clothing were becoming scarce in both countries.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman