# clothing

/ˈkɫoʊðɪŋ/ (US) · /klˈəʊðɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. garments worn on the body

noun · CEFR A2

items like shirts, trousers, and dresses that you wear to cover your body.

For teachers: garments collectively; articles of dress used to cover the human body for protection, modesty, or adornment.

- You should pack warm clothing if you are going to the mountains.
- The charity provides protective clothing and sturdy boots to workers in the most affected regions.

Usage: Usually uncountable; it does not take a plural 's' in general usage.

### 2. industrial covering

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a layer of material used to cover a machine or boiler to keep heat inside.

For teachers: a covering of non-conducting material applied to the exterior of a boiler or steam chamber to prevent heat loss.

- The engineer checked the clothing on the boiler to ensure it was still safe.
- The thermal clothing surrounding the steam pipes had degraded over time, leading to a significant drop in energy efficiency.

Usage: Used in engineering and thermodynamics contexts.

## Examples

- You should wear warm clothing in the winter.
- The charity collects gently used clothing to distribute to families in need during the colder months.
- Protective clothing is mandatory for all personnel entering the laboratory to ensure safety against chemical splashes and biological contaminants.

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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.