clothes

plural noun

ˈklōz 

also

ˈklōt͟hz 

often attributive

1

: clothing

I need new clothes for the winter.

2

: bedclothes

I have been awake ever since 5 and sooner, I fancy I had too much clothes over my stomach

—Jane Austen

3

: all the cloth articles of personal and household use that can be washed

I always wash clothes on Mondays.

Synonyms

• apparel
• attire
• clobber [British slang]
• clothing
• costumery
• dress
• duds
• garments
• gear
• habiliment(s)
• habit [archaic]
• rags
• raiment
• rig
• rigging
• threads
• toggery
• togs
• vestiary
• vestments
• vesture
• wear
• wearables
• weeds

Examples of clothes in a Sentence

put on your warmest clothes—it's freezing outside

Recent Examples on the Web

The photo collection started with a rather comical picture of Hadid sprawled on the concrete floor of a dressing room – as the star is lying down in a pink sweatshirt, leggings, ballet-core leg warmers and surrounded by racks of clothes. —Zizi Strater, Peoplemag, 14 Feb. 2023

A few kilometers away, families stand with boxes full of winter clothes at a donation center. —Fariba Nawa, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Feb. 2023

Copeland, who was hiding in a pile of clothes, shot Michalski in the head. —Christopher Kuhagen, Journal Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2023

At just over 5 pounds, this hardside suitcase is lightweight and compact while still fitting an impressive amount of clothes. —Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English clāthas, plural of clāth — see cloth

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clothes

• clothes hanger
• clothes moth
• clothes-peg
• clothes press
• not wearing a stitch (of clothes/clothing)
• plain clothes
• street clothes
• swaddling clothes
• swathing clothes

Kids Definition

clothes

plural noun

ˈklō(t͟h)z 

1

: clothing sense 1

2

: bedclothes