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verb

clothe

KLOHTH

Clothe (verb) means to dress someone, or to supply them with clothing. Example: “The charity works to feed and clothe families in need.”

verb
1
To dress someone, or to supply them with clothing.
"The charity works to feed and clothe families in need."
"She struggled to clothe four growing children on a single income."

How to use clothe

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo put clothes on someone, or provide them with clothes.

Common mistake

"Clothe" is the verb (to clothe someone); "cloth" is the fabric itself; "clothed" is the past tense/adjective.

Easily confused with

Word forms

clothed past tense, clad past tense, clothes singular

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Test yourself on “clothe” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The charity works to feed and _____ families in need.

Etymology

From Old English clāthian, "to clothe," from the same root as "cloth."

Origin: Old English

Related words

Rhymes for clothe

See all rhymes for clothe →

Frequently asked questions

What does “clothe” mean?

The word “clothe” means to dress someone, or to supply them with clothing. In plain terms, to put clothes on someone, or provide them with clothes.

How do you pronounce “clothe”?

“Clothe” is pronounced KLOHTH (/ˈkloʊð/ in IPA).

How do you use “clothe” in a sentence?

Here is “clothe” used in a sentence: “The charity works to feed and clothe families in need.”

What is another word for “clothe”?

Words with a similar meaning to “clothe” include don, put on, accouter, address, apparel and array.

What is the opposite of “clothe”?

The opposite of “clothe” — its antonyms — is undress.

What part of speech is “clothe”?

“Clothe” is a verb.

Where does the word “clothe” come from?

The word “clothe” comes from Old English. From Old English clāthian, "to clothe," from the same root as "cloth.".

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial