whole cloth

noun

: pure fabrication
usually used in the phrase out of whole cloth
the theory was created out of whole cloth

Examples of whole cloth 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.
The Trump administration does not need to invent a new Asia strategy out of whole cloth. Michael Green, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024 Not just another hint that the whole Road sprung up out of whole cloth, but a sly practical effect, too. Caroline Framke, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024 In recent weeks, the network has invented stories out of whole cloth targeting Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Michael Conte, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 Yale, but Paul Rudolph, specifically, invented me out of whole cloth. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for whole cloth 

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whole cloth was in 1823

Dictionary Entries Near whole cloth

Cite this Entry

“Whole cloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20cloth. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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