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

Atelier Saucier, a Los Angeles company that specializes in stylish napkins and place mats made from surplus material from fashion houses, has just added oilcloth place mats and tablecloths to its line.

From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2022

Afterward, he mopped the oilcloth clean and took down the Hebrew books with their crumbling leather spines.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 28, 2013

Marie was having fun scattering the petals, taking big swipes at them with her oilcloth bag.

From "The Stranger" by Albert Camus