clothing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral. Common in all registers from everyday conversation to formal and academic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “clothing” mean?
Items worn to cover the body, such as shirts, dresses, trousers, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Items worn to cover the body, such as shirts, dresses, trousers, etc.; garments collectively.
An outer covering or layer; something that clothes or conceals. Used metaphorically for protection, disguise, or presentation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'clothing'. British English more commonly uses 'clothes' in everyday speech. American English may use 'clothing' slightly more often in general contexts (e.g., 'clothing store' is standard in AmE, while BrE also uses 'clothes shop').
Connotations
None specific to either variety. 'Clothing' can sound slightly more formal or commercial than 'clothes' in both.
Frequency
Higher frequency of the word 'clothing' in American English corpora, but both words are extremely common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “clothing” in a Sentence
N of clothing (item/piece/article of clothing)Adj + clothing (warm/protective/formal clothing)V + clothing (wear/provide/donate clothing)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clothing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare as verb; 'clothe' is used) The charity aims to clothe and feed the homeless.
American English
- (Rare as verb; 'clothe' is used) The grant will help clothe children in need.
adverb
British English
- (No adverbial form derived from 'clothing'.)
American English
- (No adverbial form derived from 'clothing'.)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard. Use 'clothing' as noun modifier: 'clothing bank', 'clothing allowance'.)
American English
- (Not standard. Use 'clothing' as noun modifier: 'clothing drive', 'clothing brand'.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the industry, retail sector, or product category (e.g., 'The clothing market is highly competitive').
Academic
Used in discussions of anthropology, sociology, fashion history, and material culture (e.g., 'Clothing serves as a cultural signifier').
Everyday
Used for general reference to what one wears (e.g., 'Pack warm clothing for the trip').
Technical
In contexts like safety standards (e.g., 'high-visibility clothing'), textile technology, or military gear.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clothing”
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'three clothings' - incorrect; correct: 'three items of clothing').
- Confusing with 'cloth' (fabric).
- Overusing 'clothing' in informal speech where 'clothes' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an uncountable (mass) noun, so it is grammatically singular (e.g., 'The clothing is...'). You cannot say 'clothings'.
They are largely synonyms. 'Clothing' is slightly more formal and often refers to garments as a category or industry. 'Clothes' is more common in everyday spoken language.
Use expressions like 'an item/piece/article of clothing' (e.g., 'She packed five items of clothing').
Not as a true adjective, but it is commonly used as a noun modifier (e.g., 'clothing retailer', 'clothing donation').
Items worn to cover the body, such as shirts, dresses, trousers, etc.
Clothing is usually neutral. common in all registers from everyday conversation to formal and academic contexts. in register.
Clothing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkləʊðɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkloʊðɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Wolf in sheep's clothing”
- “A hair shirt (figurative, uncomfortable clothing as penance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CLOthes cover you like a THIN Garment. CLO-THING.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A COVERING / CLOTHING IS IDENTITY (e.g., 'cloaked in secrecy', 'wear your heart on your sleeve').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'clothing' correctly?