drop cloth

American  

Or dropcloth

noun

1. a sheet of cloth, paper, plastic, or the like laid over furniture and floors for protection while a room is being painted or laid over shrubbery while the exterior of a house is being painted.

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Etymology

Origin of drop cloth

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

She says, “I cut the drop cloth into two panels, dyed them with fabric dye and then sewed them together.”

From Los Angeles Times

Tape any seams if using multiple drop cloths.

From Seattle Times

Surveillance video from the store shows Walshe wearing a black surgical mask and blue surgical gloves and buying mops, tarps, drop cloths and other cleaning supplies, prosecutors say.

From Washington Post

Mr. Walshe was seen on surveillance video on Jan. 2 buying $450 in cleaning supplies — including mops, a bucket, tarps, drop cloths and tape — from a Home Depot, Ms. Beland said.

From New York Times

Wedge a drop cloth or some newspapers on the floor underneath, and expect to apply one to two thorough coats.

From Washington Post