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Tablecloth: meaning, definitions and examples

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tablecloth

[ ˈteɪbəlklɒθ ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

on dining table

A tablecloth is a cloth used to cover a table, especially during meals.

Synonyms

table cover, table linen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tablecloth	Commonly used to describe a piece of fabric that covers a table, typically during meals to protect the table surface or for decoration. She placed a beautiful tablecloth on the dining table before the guests arrived
table cover	A more general term that can refer to anything that covers a table, including plastic, fabric, or other materials. Often used in casual or versatile contexts. For the picnic, they used a plastic table cover to keep the table clean
table linen	Refers specifically to table coverings made from high-quality fabric, often used in formal settings such as fine dining or special occasions. The restaurant prided itself on its elegant table linen, which added a touch of luxury to every meal

Word

Description / Examples

tablecloth

Commonly used to describe a piece of fabric that covers a table, typically during meals to protect the table surface or for decoration.

She placed a beautiful tablecloth on the dining table before the guests arrived

table cover

A more general term that can refer to anything that covers a table, including plastic, fabric, or other materials. Often used in casual or versatile contexts.

For the picnic, they used a plastic table cover to keep the table clean

table linen

Refers specifically to table coverings made from high-quality fabric, often used in formal settings such as fine dining or special occasions.

The restaurant prided itself on its elegant table linen, which added a touch of luxury to every meal

Examples of usage

She spread a white tablecloth on the dining table before serving the dinner.
The tablecloth had a beautiful floral pattern on it.

Translations

Translations of the word "tablecloth" in other languages:

🇵🇹 toalha de mesa

🇮🇳 मेजपोश

🇩🇪 Tischdecke

🇮🇩 taplak meja

🇺🇦 скатертина

🇵🇱 obrus

🇯🇵 テーブルクロス

🇫🇷 nappe

🇪🇸 mantel

🇹🇷 masa örtüsü

🇰🇷 식탁보 (siktakbo)

🇸🇦 مفرش المائدة

🇨🇿 ubrus

🇸🇰 obrus

🇨🇳 桌布 (zhuō bù)

🇸🇮 prt

🇮🇸 borðdúkur

🇰🇿 үстел жапқышы

🇬🇪 სუფრა (supra)

🇦🇿 süfrə

🇲🇽 mantel

Etymology

The word 'tablecloth' originated in the mid-15th century, combining 'table' and 'cloth'. Tablecloths have been used for centuries to protect tables and add elegance to dining settings. They were initially made of simple materials like linen, but today come in a variety of fabrics and designs.

See also: table, tablecloths, tableland, tables, tablets, tableware.