broadcloth

noun

broad·​cloth ˈbrȯd-ˌklȯth How to pronounce broadcloth (audio)
1
: a twilled napped woolen or worsted fabric with smooth lustrous face and dense texture
2
: a fabric usually of cotton, silk, or rayon made in plain and rib weaves with soft semigloss finish

Examples of broadcloth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cut enough off-white broadcloth to fold down into two tiers and wrap around waist and tie. — Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, 15 July 2020 The city was a center of the textile industry in the late nineteenth century, specializing in the cropping and dyeing of broadcloth. — Nat Segnit, Harper's Magazine, 4 Mar. 2022 One of our favorite after-hours looks is a crisp broadcloth tuxedo shirt with either tailored pants or a taffeta skirt—a timeless, elevated look that will never go out of style. — Avery Matera, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026 The leggings themselves were made in the late 19th century, Shoemaker said, and the Kickapoo used silk ribbons and wool broadcloth like this, often from France and England. — Domenica Bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star, 4 Sep. 2019 Writing to the British Parliament in 1644, Milton argued that books should not be treated as another ware that the government can regulate, like broadcloth or wool. — The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024 Within the Order Salon, clients may commission made-to-measure shirts from over 300 available fabrics, ranging from Thomas Mason twills and broadcloths to a chemical-free easy-care offering made by wrapping polyester fibers in 100% cotton. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of broadcloth was in the 15th century

Rhymes for broadcloth

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Browse Nearby Words

Broad Churchman
broadcloth
broad command pennant
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Cite this Entry

“Broadcloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/broadcloth. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

broadcloth

noun
broad·​cloth ˈbrȯd-ˌklȯth How to pronounce broadcloth (audio)
: a fine cloth with a firm smooth surface

More from Merriam-Webster on broadcloth

Nglish: Translation of broadcloth for Spanish Speakers

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