# clad

/ˈkɫæd/ (US) · /klˈæd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clad
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. wearing clothes

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary · Formal

wearing a particular type of clothing.

For teachers: clothed or dressed in a specified manner; typically used with an adverb or as part of a compound.

- The hikers were clad in warm waterproof jackets to protect them from the rain.
- The delegates arrived at the gala clad in traditional formal attire, creating a vibrant display of cultural heritage.

Usage: Often follows an adverb like 'suitably' or 'scantily'.

### 2. covered with a material

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

covered or protected by a layer of something, like metal or stone.

For teachers: covered, enveloped, or protected by a specific outer layer or cladding.

- The modern office building was clad in glass and steel.
- The ancient fortress walls were clad in moss and ivy, hiding the weathered stone from the casual observer.

Usage: Frequently used in architectural and engineering contexts.

### 3. to cover a surface

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to put a protective or decorative layer on the outside of a building or object.

For teachers: to apply a layer of material to the exterior of a structure for insulation, protection, or aesthetic purposes.

- The workers began to clad the house with timber panels.
- The design specifications required the contractor to clad the reactor core with a specialized lead alloy to ensure maximum radiation containment.

Usage: Takes a direct object; often used in the passive voice.

## Examples

- The mountain peaks are clad in white snow.
- The modern office building is clad in glass and steel to reflect the surrounding city skyline.
- The knight appeared at the gate, fully clad in polished silver armor that glinted under the midday sun, signaling his readiness for the tournament.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.