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

Explanation

Oilcloth is a type of cotton fabric that has a waterproof layer on one side. You'd be more likely to buy a tablecloth made of oilcloth than a dress. Your grandmother might have a brightly colored oilcloth on her kitchen table: it feels smooth as plastic on the top, but the bottom is nubby or soft, absorbent cotton. Oilcloth was once commonly used to make rain coats and tents, but its seams were never totally waterproof, so it was replaced by waxed canvas and other materials. Oilcloth got its name from the boiled linseed oil coating used to make it waterproof.

Example Sentences

Oilcloth, the popular wipe-clean table covering from long before the designer Sandy Chilewich started weaving her place mats, is becoming popular again.

From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2022

Linoleum or Oilcloth That is Cracked.—Linoleum that is badly cracked may be improved by a filler made of ochre and boiled flour paste.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

Oilcloth had been known in England a century previously.

From Customs and Fashions in Old New England by Earle, Alice Morse

Oilcloth covered the boards and hung clear to the floor on either side.

From Grace Harlowe's Overland Riders in the Great North Woods by Flower, Jessie Graham [pseud.]