clothing
KLOH-thihng
Clothing (noun) means Garments worn to cover the body. Example: “The store sells clothing for the whole family.”
noun
1
Garments worn to cover the body.
"The store sells clothing for the whole family."
"Winter clothing is essential once temperatures drop below freezing."
"Please pack warm clothing, because the nights in the mountains are cold."
How to use clothing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClothes collectively — what you wear.
Common mistake
"Clothing" is uncountable — you don't say "a clothing" or "two clothings." Use "clothes," "garments," or "items of clothing" instead.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
clothing store
winter clothing
article of clothing
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Word forms
- Plural
- clothings
Fill the gap
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The store sells _____ for the whole family.
Etymology
From Middle English clothing, formed from clothe plus -ing.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for clothing
See all rhymes for clothing →Frequently asked questions
What does “clothing” mean?
The word “clothing” means garments worn to cover the body. In plain terms, clothes collectively — what you wear.
How do you pronounce “clothing”?
“Clothing” is pronounced KLOH-thihng (/ˈkloʊðɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “clothing” in a sentence?
Here is “clothing” used in a sentence: “The store sells clothing for the whole family.”
What is another word for “clothing”?
Words with a similar meaning to “clothing” include clothes, attire, apparel, threads, garment and habiliment.
What part of speech is “clothing”?
“Clothing” is a noun.
Where does the word “clothing” come from?
The word “clothing” comes from Middle English. From Middle English clothing, formed from clothe plus -ing.
Is “clothing” a common word?
“Clothing” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between clothing and clothes?
Both refer to the garments people wear, and in most sentences they are interchangeable. 'Clothing' is an uncountable, slightly more formal collective noun — you speak of a piece or item of clothing. 'Clothes' is the everyday plural you can point to. You would not say 'a clothing', but you can say 'my clothes'.
What are the main types of clothing?
Clothing is often grouped by occasion and use: casual wear for everyday life, formal wear for smart events, and activewear for sport. Other categories include outerwear such as coats, underwear worn next to the skin, and seasonal clothing suited to hot or cold weather. Uniforms and traditional dress form further groups.
Why do people wear clothing?
People wear clothing for several reasons at once. It protects the body from cold, heat, sun, and injury, and it provides modesty according to social custom. Beyond the practical, clothing expresses identity, taste, status, and culture, letting individuals signal who they are and which group or occasion they belong to.
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