cloth
/klɒθ/ (bre, ipa) · /klɔːθ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈklȯth/ (ame, mw)
cloth — noun
- clothsingular
- clothsplural
1. A natural or synthetic fabric produced by weaving, knitting, or bonding fibres t
A natural or synthetic fabric produced by weaving, knitting, or bonding fibres together, used for making items such as clothes, curtains, upholstery, or covers.
The tailor chose a lightweight cotton cloth for the summer dress.
cotton cloth / woollen cloth / silk cloth — material type
Aiko bought three metres of woollen cloth to sew curtains for the living room.
countable quantifier: metres/yards of cloth
The museum displayed ancient silk cloth woven during the Tang dynasty.
Workers dyed the raw cloth in large vats of indigo solution before drying it.
Priya tested the softness of a linen cloth before buying it for the sofa cushions.
- fabric
the most common interchangeable term; preferred when describing texture or pattern
- textile
more technical or industrial; often refers to manufactured fibres and the weaving industry
- material
broader term that can also refer to non-woven substances like plastic or leather
- stuff
informal; e.g. 'What kind of stuff is this shirt made of?'
用法筆記
Uncountable in this sense — do not say 'a cloth' to mean a type of fabric; instead say 'a type of cloth' or 'a fabric'. Do not confuse with 'clothes' (garments) or 'clothing' (garments collectively).
常見錯誤
2. Any of various small squares or strips of soft fabric used for wiping surfaces,
Any of various small squares or strips of soft fabric used for wiping surfaces, drying dishes, or removing dust and household spills.
Ravi wiped the kitchen counter with a damp cloth after cooking dinner.
damp cloth / dry cloth — common modifier pairing
Leila grabbed a clean cloth and polished the bathroom mirror until it shone.
cleaning cloth / polishing cloth — purpose modifier
The mechanic used an oily cloth to wipe the grease from his hands.
Yara folded the dusting cloth and stored it in the cleaning cupboard under the sink.
Hana dipped a soft flannel cloth in warm water to clean the baby's face gently.
- rag
more informal; often refers to an old or torn piece of cloth used for rough cleaning
- wipe
chiefly British; e.g. 'kitchen wipe' — often a disposable or pre-moistened cloth
- towel
specifically designed for drying; larger and more absorbent than a typical cleaning cloth
- duster
a cloth specifically designed for removing dust
用法筆記
Countable in this sense — 'a cloth' refers to a single piece. The plural is 'cloths' (not 'clothes'). Common compound forms include 'dishcloth', 'washcloth', 'tablecloth', and 'dustcloth'.