To maximum the activity of transition metal sulfides for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), two strategies usually have been adopted including designing unique nano structures and integrating other metal element. Herein, CoxSy/WS2 nanosheets supported on carbon cloth (CoxSy/WS2/CC) have been fabricated via a facile hydrothermal process. The cross-linked structures composed of CoxSy/WS2 nanosheets uniformly cover on the surface of CC, which may expose abundant active sites for HER and accelerate charge transfer rate. The molar ratio of CoxSy-incorporating has been investigated in detail. The molar ratio of W/Co = 1/3 (noted as CoxSy/WS2/CC-3) has been proved to have unique spherical Co(x)y/WS2 nanostructure, which may further expose more active sites for HER. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that CoxSy-incorporating can enhance HER activity and conductivity compared with WS2/CC. In addition, CoxSy/WS2/CC-3 exhibits the best HER activity, smallest charge transfer resistance and excellent stability than the counterparts, implying that the degree of CoxSy-incorporating may impact the HER activity of WS2. The mechanisms of CoxSy-incorporating on enhancing HER activity of WS2 have been discussed. It may offer a promising way to design transition metal sulfides-based electrocatalysts for HER by non-precious metal incorporating. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.