cheesecloth

noun

cheese·​cloth ˈchēz-ˌklȯth How to pronounce cheesecloth (audio)
: a very lightweight unsized cotton gauze

Examples of cheesecloth 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.
Serve with remaining ½ lemon for squeezing over (wrap in a piece cheesecloth secured with kitchen twine to catch seeds if desired). — Alexia Duchêne, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 2026 Water Filtration Scott recommends this water play activity for preschoolers, which involves straining dirty water with coffee filters or a cheesecloth. — Nicole Harris, Parents, 18 July 2026 Wrap the mixture in cheesecloth to form a sachet. — ABC News, 27 May 2026 Rinse, dab dry with cheesecloth (very absorbent and Martha-coded), then repeat as needed until the stain lifts. — Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cheesecloth

Word History

Etymology

from its use in the making of cheese

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cheesecloth was in the 14th century

Rhymes for cheesecloth

See All Rhymes for cheesecloth

Browse Nearby Words

cheese cement
cheesecloth
cheese color
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cheesecloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheesecloth. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cheesecloth

noun
cheese·​cloth -ˌklȯth How to pronounce cheesecloth (audio)
: a thin loosely woven cotton cloth

More from Merriam-Webster on cheesecloth

Nglish: Translation of cheesecloth for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cheesecloth

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