Cloth: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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

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