Cloths: meaning, definitions and examples

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cloths

[klɒðz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

wearable items

Cloths refer to garments or fabrics used for clothing or covering objects. They can be made of various materials such as cotton, silk, or polyester. Cloths are commonly used for making clothes, towels, curtains, and other textile products.

Synonyms

fabrics, materials, textiles.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cloths	Typically refers to pieces of fabric that are used for particular purposes, often for cleaning or covering objects. He wiped the table with a damp cloth. The shelves are lined with decorative cloths.
fabrics	Used when talking about types of materials used to make clothing and other items, often discussed in terms of texture, weave, and composition. This dress is made from high-quality silk fabric. Different fabrics require different methods of cleaning.
textiles	Often used in a more formal or industrial sense, referring to woven or knit materials produced by textile mills, including both clothing and other items like upholstery or curtains. The company specializes in producing high-quality textiles. She studied textile design in college.
materials	A more general term that can refer to any type of substance or matter used to make things, not limited to textiles. We need more building materials for the construction. The artist uses recycled materials for her sculptures.

Examples of usage

They used soft cloths to make the baby's clothes.
She hung colorful cloths as curtains in her room.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

cleaning

Cloths also refer to pieces of fabric used for cleaning or wiping surfaces. They are often made of cotton or microfiber and are used with cleaning products to remove dirt and dust.

Synonyms

rags, towels, wipes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cloths	Might be reused unintentionally as a duplicate. Needed here for context clarity. Checking again, it seems like there is a need to mention different types of cloths
rags	Used to describe pieces of cloth that are old, torn, or worn out. Often used for cleaning or in a negative context indicating poor quality. He used old rags to clean the floors Her clothes were no better than rags
towels	Specifically designed pieces of absorbent fabric used for drying hands, bodies, dishes, etc. After washing his hands, he dried them with a towel They bring their own towels to the beach
wipes	Small pieces of material, often pre-moistened, used for cleaning surfaces or personal hygiene. Often disposable. She used disinfectant wipes to clean the counter Baby wipes are very useful for quick clean-ups

Examples of usage

She used a damp cloth to wipe the table.
He always carries a cloth to clean his glasses.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'cloth' comes from the Old English 'clāþ,' which means a piece of cloth or fabric.
In Middle English, 'clothe' referred to both the action of making clothes and the clothes themselves.

History

In ancient times, different civilizations used materials like animal skins, plant fibers, and silk to create their cloths.
The invention of the spinning wheel in the Middle Ages significantly increased the availability of cloth, revolutionizing textile production.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, specific fabrics are worn to represent social status or occupational roles, such as silk for nobility.
Traditional garments, such as kimonos in Japan and saris in India, highlight the rich cultural meanings associated with specific cloths.

Science

Natural fibers, such as cotton and linen, come from plants, while wool comes from sheep and silk from silkworms.
Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon have revolutionized clothing materials, allowing for more durability and flexibility.

Fashion

Fashion designers often select specific cloth types to create a mood or style, as the texture and drape can significantly impact a garment's look.
Trends in clothing materials can shift based on technological advances, leading to innovations like moisture-wicking fabrics for sportswear.

Translations

Translations of the word "cloths" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tecidos

🇮🇳 कपड़े

🇩🇪 Stoffe

🇮🇩 kain

🇺🇦 тканини

🇵🇱 tkaniny

🇯🇵 布

🇫🇷 tissus

🇪🇸 telas

🇹🇷 kumaşlar

🇰🇷 옷감

🇸🇦 أقمشة

🇨🇿 látky

🇸🇰 látky

🇨🇳 布料

🇸🇮 tkanine

🇮🇸 efni

🇰🇿 маталар

🇬🇪 ნაჭრები

🇦🇿 parçalar

🇲🇽 telas

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,713, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12710 armaments
12711 patted
12712 toxins
12713 cloths
12714 upcoming
12715 smoothing
12716 obliquely
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