Definition

Noun: A tall, freestanding piece of furniture, typically a wardrobe or large cabinet, designed for the storage of clothes and other personal items. Historically, it refers to a closed storage space for garments.

Usage

The word "clothespress" is a somewhat formal or archaic term for a piece of furniture used to store clothing. It is used as a singular, countable noun. * The antique clothespress in the bedroom was made of solid oak. * She opened the clothespress to select a dress for the evening.

Advanced Usage

• The term can evoke a historical or literary setting, as it is less common in modern everyday speech than "wardrobe" or "closet."
  • The servant fetched the lord's doublet from the great clothespress.

Variants and Related Words

• Wardrobe: A more common modern synonym for a tall cabinet for storing clothes.
• Armoire: A large, often ornate wardrobe or cabinet.
• Chiffarobe: A piece of furniture combining a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.
• Linen-press: A similar cabinet historically used for storing household linens.

Synonyms

Wardrobe, armoire, closet, cabinet.

Antonyms

There is no direct antonym, but the general concept is opposed by terms indicating exposure or lack of storage: clothes rail, open rack.

Related Phrases

• To hang something in the clothespress: To place a garment inside this furniture for storage.
  • He carefully hung his suit in the clothespress.

Noun

1. a closet where clothes are stored