broadcloth

[ brawd-klawth, -kloth ]

noun

, Textiles.

1. a closely woven dress-goods fabric of cotton, rayon, silk, or a mixture of these fibers, having a soft, mercerized finish and resembling poplin.
2. a woolen or worsted fabric constructed in a plain or twill weave, having a compact texture and lustrous finish.
3. any fabric woven on a wide loom.

broadcloth

/ ˈbrɔːdˌklɒθ /

noun

1. fabric woven on a wide loom
2. a closely woven fabric of wool, worsted, cotton, or rayon with lustrous finish, used for clothing

Word History and Origins

Origin of broadcloth¹

First recorded in 1400–50, broadcloth is from late Middle English brode clothe. See broad, cloth

Example Sentences

He shoved his hair out of his face and picked up his broadcloth jacket from the floor, draping it strategically over his arm.

From Literature

Wearing blouses and broadcloth skirts and handwoven belts, they formed a slower-moving, dignified circle around the male dancers, keeping their torsos and heads straight as they bobbed up and down with each step.

From Literature

He first played there in 1937, in the depths of the Great Depression, when players wore broadcloth shirts and neckties, and corn whisky flowed at the tournament Bobby Jones called the Augusta National Invitation.

From Golf Digest

At the trader’s, Deydey paid off the winter’s debt and bought a length of blue broadcloth for Mama to sew into a dress.

From Literature

Wool broadcloth was the traditional option, although Hansen sometimes substitutes less expensive fabrics when a customer’s budget is especially tight, Murray said.

From Washington Post