oilcloth

American  

[oil-klawth, -kloth] / ˈɔɪlˌklɔθ, -ˌklɒθ /

noun

plural

oilcloths

1. a cotton fabric made waterproof by being treated with oil and pigment, for use as tablecloths, shelf coverings, and the like.

2. a piece of this fabric.

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oilcloth British  

/ ˈɔɪlˌklɒθ /

noun

1. waterproof material made by treating one side of a cotton fabric with a drying oil, or a synthetic resin

2. another name for linoleum

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Etymology

Origin of oilcloth

First recorded in 1690–1700; oil + cloth

Example Sentences

“Swap out the linen cloth for a wipeable oilcloth when it’s time for the kids to do homework or an art project,” she advises.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 7, 2023

Apart from the boiler, other items on the tank include an oilcloth table cloth from the family's summer house, new Disney bedsheets for her children and a red blanket, she says.

From BBC • May 31, 2022

But, like the author, we snag on that Polish word, and its suggestion of cold oilcloth, garden tomatoes, and stove fumes.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 24, 2018

The colors of the walls — in Fanta-can shades of fuchsia and orange — were snatched from countryside billboards; a hand-painted sign is out front and the tables are covered in sliced-off-the-roll neon floral oilcloth.

From New York Times • Mar. 14, 2014

Jody sat at the long table which was covered with white oilcloth washed through to the fabric in some places.

From "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck