# tablecloth

/ˈteɪbəɫˌkɫɔθ/ (US) · /tˈeɪbəlklˌɒθ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tablecloth
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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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.