Cloth: meaning, definitions and examples

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cloth

[klɒθ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

material

Cloth is a material made by weaving or knitting fibers together. It is commonly used for making clothes, curtains, and household items.

Synonyms

fabric, material, textile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cloth	General use for a piece of fabric used for a specific purpose, often for cleaning or covering something. He wiped the table with a damp cloth. Cover the food with a clean cloth.
fabric	Typically used in the context of making or describing clothing and other sewn products. The dress is made of a soft, cotton fabric. She bought some beautiful fabric to make curtains.
textile	Used in a more technical or industrial context to refer to any type of fabric, often on a larger scale. The factory produces high-quality textiles for the fashion industry. She studied textile design in college.
material	A more general term that can refer to any substance used to make something, not just textiles. Wood is a common material for furniture. What material is this jacket made of?

Examples of usage

The dress was made of a soft and lightweight cloth.
She wiped the table with a damp cloth.
I need to buy some new cloth to make a quilt.
The shop sells a variety of different cloths for different purposes.
Many traditional cultures have special rituals for weaving cloth.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

piece of clothing

A cloth can also refer to a piece of material used for a particular purpose, such as a dishcloth or a cleaning cloth.

Synonyms

rag, towel, wipe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cloth	Used to describe a piece of fabric. It can refer to material in general or a specific piece used for cleaning, covering, or decoration. The tailor cut a piece of cloth for the new dress She used a clean cloth to wipe the table
rag	A cloth that is often old, torn, or used for dirty tasks. It carries a somewhat negative connotation. He cleaned his hands with an old rag The mechanic had rags all over the workshop
towel	A piece of absorbent fabric used for drying things, usually after washing. Often found in bathrooms and kitchens. She grabbed a towel to dry her wet hair He kept a kitchen towel near the sink
wipe	Can refer to both a verb and a noun. As a noun, it often means a small disposable piece of cloth or fabric for cleaning surfaces or skin. She used a baby wipe to clean the spilled juice He kept disinfectant wipes in his car

Examples of usage

She used a cloth to wipe the spill on the floor.
He wrapped the fragile vase in a soft cloth for protection.
I always carry a cloth in my bag for cleaning my glasses.
The chef used a cloth to handle the hot pan.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'clāþ,' meaning a piece of cloth or garment, showing its historical link to clothing.
In many languages, similar words for cloth suggest a shared history regarding fabric-making across cultures.

Cultural Significance

Cloth has played major roles in rituals, such as the wearing of specific fabrics in weddings or funerals around the world.
In Japanese culture, 'kimono' refers to clothing made from beautiful cloths often adorned with intricate patterns.

Historical Uses

In ancient civilizations, cloth was a key trade item, especially silk from China, which was highly valued in Europe.
During the Middle Ages, cloth was used as a form of currency in trade markets, with different types signifying different values.

Science

The structure and weave of cloth can influence its qualities, such as breathability, strength, and warmth.
Modern fabrics can be engineered with special properties, like moisture-wicking or UV protection, for clothing in various climates.

Art and Design

Textile art has a significant place in many cultures, with techniques like weaving, quilting, or dyeing creating stunning masterpieces.
Fashion design often revolves around the creative use of cloth, influencing trends and personal expression around the world.

Translations

Translations of the word "cloth" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tecido

🇮🇳 कपड़ा

🇩🇪 Stoff

🇮🇩 kain

🇺🇦 тканина

🇵🇱 tkanina

🇯🇵 布

🇫🇷 tissu

🇪🇸 tela

🇹🇷 kumaş

🇰🇷 천

🇸🇦 قماش

🇨🇿 tkanina

🇸🇰 tkanina

🇨🇳 布料

🇸🇮 tkanina

🇮🇸 efni

🇰🇿 мата

🇬🇪 ქსოვილი

🇦🇿 parça

🇲🇽 tela

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,768, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2765 sounds
2766 province
2767 nitrogen
2768 cloth
2769 enacted
2770 causing
2771 senior
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