kente cloth

noun

ken·​te cloth ˈken-ˌtā- How to pronounce kente cloth (audio)
: colorfully patterned cloth traditionally woven by hand in Ghana

called also kente

Examples of kente 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 new building’s brick facade was intended to mimic the pattern of kente cloth. — Camille Borders, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 For example, Patrick Kelly's kente cloth ensemble is such a fascinating piece to me. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024 These colorful, high-rise luxury apartments are painted in red, green, and yellow based on the geometric patterns of traditional kente cloth. — Toyo Odetunde, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Nov. 2024 Martin’s pieces, many made with kente cloth, Ghanaian prints and Nigerian textiles, stand out for their bright patterns, intricate layering and one-of-a-kind construction. — Kansas City Star, 6 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kente cloth

Word History

Etymology

Twi kenté

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kente cloth was in 1957

Rhymes for kente cloth

See All Rhymes for kente cloth

Browse Nearby Words

Kent bugle
kente cloth
kentia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kente cloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kente%20cloth. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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