# cloth

/ˈkɫɔθ/ (US) · /klˈɒθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cloth
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. fabric material

noun · CEFR B1

material made by weaving or knitting threads together, used to make clothes or other items.

For teachers: a fabric formed by weaving, knitting, or felting fibers. Uncountable when referring to the general material.

- The designer chose a heavy wool cloth for the winter coats.
- The merchant specialized in high-quality silk cloth imported from regional weavers who used traditional hand-looming techniques.

Usage: Uncountable in this sense.

### 2. cleaning tool

noun · CEFR B1

a small piece of fabric used for a specific job, like cleaning or dusting.

For teachers: a specific piece of fabric used for a particular purpose, typically cleaning, wiping, or polishing.

- Use a damp cloth to wipe the dust off the bookshelf.
- The technician used a specialized microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints from the delicate camera lens without scratching the glass.

Usage: Countable in this sense.

### 3. table covering

noun · CEFR B2

a large piece of fabric used to cover a table, especially during a meal.

For teachers: a tablecloth, particularly one spread for a formal meal.

- She spread a white cloth over the table before the guests arrived.
- The staff were instructed to lay the cloth with precision, ensuring the silver was perfectly aligned for the evening banquet.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'lay the cloth'.

### 4. the clergy

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a way to refer to priests or ministers as a group.

For teachers: a collective term for the priesthood or clergy, derived from the distinctive professional attire they wear.

- He felt a calling to the cloth from a very young age.
- As a man of the cloth, he felt a profound responsibility to provide spiritual guidance to the community during times of crisis.

Usage: Usually used with the definite article: 'the cloth'.

## Examples

- She used a soft cloth to clean the table.
- The tailor selected a heavy wool cloth to ensure the winter coat would be warm enough for the local climate.
- Archaeologists discovered fragments of dyed cloth preserved in the dry cave, suggesting that the ancient civilization possessed sophisticated weaving techniques and a preference for vibrant colors.

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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.