clad
7 synonyms and 4 antonyms for clad, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Dressed or covered in something, especially clothing or a protective layer.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
sheathed
encased
Antonyms
How to use clad
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
snow-clad
armour-clad
steel-clad
Etymology
From Middle English clad, an old past-tense/participle form of "clothen" (to clothe).
Full origin of clad →Frequently asked questions
What does “clad” mean?
The word “clad” means dressed or covered in something, especially clothing or a protective layer. In plain terms, covered or dressed in something — often used poetically for clothing, or technically for building materials.
How do you pronounce “clad”?
“Clad” is pronounced klad (/klæd/ in IPA).
How do you use “clad” in a sentence?
Here is “clad” used in a sentence: “The knight stood clad in armour.”
What part of speech is “clad”?
Depending on how it is used, “clad” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “clad” come from?
The word “clad” comes from Middle English. From Middle English clad, an old past-tense/participle form of "clothen" (to clothe).
Is “clad” a common word?
“Clad” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “clad” have?
“Clad” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: dressed or covered in something, especially clothing or a protective layer.
Is "clad" the past tense of "clothe"?
"Clad" functions as an older, literary past form of "clothe," but modern English mostly uses it as an adjective, as in "leather-clad" or "snow-clad," rather than as a standalone verb in everyday speech. The regular form "clothed" is far more common today.
What is the difference between "clad" and "cladding"?
"Clad" is the adjective or verb form describing something covered in a protective layer, while "cladding" is the noun for the material itself, such as the panels or insulation used to cover a building's exterior.
