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

I loaded up my limbs with a $399-and-up Oura Ring 5, a $100 Google Fitbit Air and a Whoop MG embedded in various clothing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Since I lack direct access to the president’s munificence, my shoes came instead from a men’s clothing store near where I live in Boston.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

There are hundreds of products tied to the movie, from collectible action figures of Nicholas Galitzine’s He-Man and Camila Mendes’ Teela, to branded Uno decks, Legos, clothing and skateboards.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Tasha Graham, dressed head to toe in Knicks clothing, is the embodiment of New York's passion for its basketball team battling to win the NBA Finals and end a five-decade drought.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

I ask Camille, who’s crouched over an unzipped suitcase, rummaging through piles of clothing.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller