sackcloth

noun

sack·​cloth ˈsa(k)-ˌklȯth How to pronounce sackcloth (audio)
1
: a coarse cloth of goat or camel's hair or of flax, hemp, or cotton
2
: a garment of sackcloth worn as a sign of mourning or penitence

Examples of sackcloth 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.
Activists cloaked in sackcloth marched outside the parking lots. — Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025 While sackcloths have fallen out of use, the meaning of wearing ashes on Ash Wednesday has stayed the same. — Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024 These people wore sackcloth, were sprinkled with ashes and remained apart until they were reconciled with the Christian community. — Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Feb. 2026 These people wore sackcloth, were sprinkled with ashes and remained apart until they were reconciled with the Christian community. — Chris Sims, IndyStar, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sackcloth

Word History

Etymology

sack entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sackcloth was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing sackcloth

Rhymes for sackcloth

See All Rhymes for sackcloth

Browse Nearby Words

sackbut
sackcloth
sack cloud
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sackcloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sackcloth. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sackcloth

noun
sack·​cloth ˈsak-ˌ(k)lȯth How to pronounce sackcloth (audio)
1
: rough cloth for sacks
2
: a garment of sackcloth worn as a sign of sorrow

More from Merriam-Webster on sackcloth

Nglish: Translation of sackcloth for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sackcloth

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