tablecloth

[ tey-buhl-klawth, -kloth ]

noun

, plural ta·ble·cloths [tey, -b, uh, l-klaw, th, z, -klo, th, z, -klawths, -kloths].

1. a cloth for covering the top of a table, especially during a meal.

tablecloth

/ ˈteɪbəlˌklɒθ /

noun

1. a cloth for covering the top of a table, esp during meals

Word History and Origins

Origin of tablecloth¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; table, cloth

Example Sentences

The rising tension from her disappearance seeped through the book like stain spreading across a tablecloth until it was completely saturated.

From Washington Post

Tablecloths were being ripped off tables and glasses of water passed around.

From Washington Post

Launder or dry clean your tablecloth as you would normally do.

From Washington Post

It looks a bit like a beautiful tablecloth, laid out on the floor for a fairytale picnic.

From The Daily Beast

Just then there was a rustling under the table and Jackson lifted the tablecloth.

From The Daily Beast

Just then there was a rustling under the table and Jackson lifted the tablecloth and peered underneath.

From The Daily Beast

His future was laid out for him like a fine linen tablecloth—smooth and wide open with possibilities.

From The Daily Beast

Jess, who liked above all things to be orderly, spread out the big gray laundry bag on the pine needles for a tablecloth.

From Project Gutenberg

At last the tablecloth was spread and Henry unwrapped his parcels before the whole excited family.

From Project Gutenberg

She sat all alone, plucking nervously at the red-and-white checkered tablecloth.

From Project Gutenberg

You couldn't notice unless you bent down to look under the flap of their tablecloth.

From Project Gutenberg

I walked into my dining-room, and sat down at the table, which was covered with a new tablecloth and adorned with my new china.

From Project Gutenberg