# sheet

/ˈʃit/ (US) · /ʃˈiːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sheet
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. bedding

noun · CEFR A2

a large piece of thin cloth used on a bed.

For teachers: a rectangular piece of cloth used as bedding, either to cover a mattress or as a top layer for the sleeper.

- He changed the sheets on his bed every Saturday morning.
- The hotel staff ensures that the cotton sheets are laundered and pressed daily to maintain a high standard of guest comfort.

### 2. paper

noun · CEFR A2

a single piece of paper.

For teachers: a distinct, usually rectangular piece of paper intended for writing, printing, or drawing.

- Please take out a clean sheet of paper and write your name at the top.
- The artist preferred a heavy, textured sheet of paper that could withstand multiple layers of watercolour without warping.

### 3. thin layer of material

noun · CEFR B1

a thin, flat piece of a solid material like metal or plastic.

For teachers: a broad, thin, and flat piece of solid material, often used in manufacturing or construction.

- The workers covered the roof with large sheets of corrugated metal.
- Engineers specified a reinforced sheet of industrial plastic to provide a moisture barrier beneath the concrete foundation.

### 4. broad expanse

noun · CEFR B2

a wide, flat area of something like ice, water, or flame.

For teachers: an extensive, continuous surface or expanse of a substance.

- The car slid across a dangerous sheet of ice on the road.
- A vast sheet of mist rolled off the Atlantic, obscuring the jagged cliffs from the lighthouse keeper's view.

### 5. nautical rope

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a rope used to control the position of a sail on a boat.

For teachers: a line or rope used to adjust the trim of a sail by controlling the angle at which it meets the wind.

- He pulled the sheet tight to catch the wind and speed up the boat.
- The skipper ordered the crew to ease the main sheet as the vessel rounded the buoy and began its downwind leg.

### 6. to rain heavily

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to rain very hard in a way that looks like a solid wall of water.

For teachers: to fall or flow in a heavy, continuous stream or layer; typically used of rain.

- The rain began to sheet down, making it impossible to see the road.
- As the storm reached its peak, the rain sheeted against the windows with such violence that the glass rattled in its frames.

Usage: Usually used in the progressive form 'sheeting' or with 'down'.

## Examples

- I need to change the sheets on my bed.
- Please hand me a clean sheet of paper so I can write down the address.
- A single sheet of ice covered the entire pond, glittering in the weak winter sun like a pane of flawed glass.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.