cloth

/klɒθ/ (bre, ipa) · /klɔːθ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈklȯth/ (ame, mw)

cloth — 名詞

  • clothsingular
  • clothsplural

1. A natural or synthetic fabric produced by weaving, knitting, or bonding fibres t

1.名詞B2
釋義

布料

紡織而成的材料

A natural or synthetic fabric produced by weaving, knitting, or bonding fibres together, used for making items such as clothes, curtains, upholstery, or covers.

例句

The tailor chose a lightweight cotton cloth for the summer dress.

裁縫師為那件夏季洋裝選了一塊輕盈的棉布料。

cotton cloth / woollen cloth / silk cloth — material type

Aiko bought three metres of woollen cloth to sew curtains for the living room.

Aiko 買了三公尺的羊毛布料，準備縫製客廳的窗簾。

countable quantifier: metres/yards of cloth

同義詞
  • 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

❌She bought a beautiful cloth for her wedding dress.
✅She bought a beautiful piece of cloth for her wedding dress.
💡cloth meaning fabric is uncountable; use 'piece of cloth' or 'fabric'.
❌I need to wash my cloths.
✅I need to wash my clothes.
💡'clothes' are garments; 'cloth' is material.

2. Any of various small squares or strips of soft fabric used for wiping surfaces,

2.名詞B2
釋義

抹布

用於擦拭、清潔的小塊布

Any of various small squares or strips of soft fabric used for wiping surfaces, drying dishes, or removing dust and household spills.

例句

Ravi wiped the kitchen counter with a damp cloth after cooking dinner.

Ravi 做完晚餐後，用濕抹布擦了廚房流理臺。

damp cloth / dry cloth — common modifier pairing

Leila grabbed a clean cloth and polished the bathroom mirror until it shone.

Leila 拿起一條乾淨的抹布，把浴室鏡子擦得發亮。

cleaning cloth / polishing cloth — purpose modifier

同義詞
  • 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'.

常見錯誤

❌I used a cloth to dry my hands — now I need to put my cloths on.
✅I used a cloth to dry my hands
💡now I need to put my clothes on.' — 'cloths' (pieces of fabric) vs 'clothes' (garments).
❌Can you pass me a cloths?
✅Can you pass me a cloth?
💡singular countable noun needs an article.