Word
tablecloth
Phoneticstable·cloth
US/ˈteɪbəɫˌkɫɔθ/
UK/tˈeɪbəlklˌɒθ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a large piece of cloth used to cover a table. You put it on the table before a meal to keep the surface clean or to make it look nice.
n. a decorative or protective covering made of fabric or plastic, designed to be spread over a table, especially during a meal.
Examples
“She spread a white tablecloth over the dining table.”
“We used a plastic tablecloth for the children's party to make cleaning up spills much easier.”
“The heavy linen tablecloth, embroidered with intricate floral patterns, had been passed down through three generations and was only used for formal holiday dinners.”
Examples
simple
“She spread a white tablecloth over the dining table.”
contextual
“We used a plastic tablecloth for the children's party to make cleaning up spills much easier.”
complex
“The heavy linen tablecloth, embroidered with intricate floral patterns, had been passed down through three generations and was only used for formal holiday dinners.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “tablecloth” in context.
Verb
01. iron tablecloth
“I need to iron the tablecloth to get rid of these stubborn creases.”
verb + noun
02. shake tablecloth
“After the meal, she went outside to shake the tablecloth and remove the crumbs.”
verb + noun
03. spread tablecloth
“He helped his mother spread the tablecloth over the long dining table.”
verb + noun
04. stain tablecloth
“Be careful not to stain the tablecloth with the red wine.”
verb + noun
05. tablecloth overhangs
“The tablecloth overhangs the edge of the table by several inches.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. checkered tablecloth
“The Italian restaurant was famous for its red and white checkered tablecloths.”
adj + noun
07. disposable tablecloth
“We used a disposable tablecloth to make cleaning up after the picnic easier.”
adj + noun
08. lace tablecloth
“The antique lace tablecloth had been passed down through three generations.”
adj + noun
09. linen tablecloth
“She laid out a fine linen tablecloth for the formal dinner party.”
adj + noun
Noun
10. corner of tablecloth
“The child nervously tugged at the corner of the tablecloth.”
noun + prep + noun
11. lay the tablecloth
“It is your turn to lay the tablecloth before the guests arrive.”
12. pull the tablecloth off
“The magician performed a trick where he pulled the tablecloth off without breaking a glass.”
Real-World Examples
“This sweet, no-fuss tablecloth adds pop to your party spread, no matter what you’re serving.” “When you’re spending more time in the kitchen or dining room—even if all that means is boiling water for tea or boxed mac and cheese—a bright tablecloth or colorful cloth napkins can add warmth and softness to your space.” “Nothing comes close to the soft, relaxed drape of this 100% linen tablecloth.” “Nothing elevates a table more than a clean white tablecloth.” Etymology
From Middle English tabyllcloth, table cloth, and tabylle clothe, the word emerged as a partial translation of the earlier Middle English bord cloth or bordcloth. This older form descended from the Old English bordclāþ, a compound of bord and clāþ. The modern term settled into its current shape by the substitution of table for bord, while retaining the second element.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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