tablecloth

noun

ta·​ble·​cloth ˈtā-bəl-ˌklȯth 

: a covering spread over a dining table before the tableware is set

Examples of tablecloth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But behind the crisp white tablecloths, strict dress code and expensive steak dinners was a kitchen full of immigrant workers washing dishes, preparing food and keeping the restaurant running. — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Patrick injects a light touch into his scolding of restaurant staff when a tablecloth isn’t crisply ironed or cutlery and glasses are improperly placed. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

In the dining room, drawers can hold tablecloths, placemats, napkins, silverware, serving pieces, and more. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026

Here, a sofa slipcovered in a patchwork of paisley tablecloths is joined by a custom Dan John Anderson table inset with abalone shell and brass, a straw artwork made in the Purhépecha region of Mexico, and snuggly bean-bags. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tablecloth

• broadcloth
• cheesecloth
• loincloth
• neckcloth
• oilcloth
• sackcloth
• washcloth
• zeroth
• broth
• cloth
• doth
• froth

Kids Definition

tablecloth

noun

ta·​ble·​cloth ˈtā-bəl-ˌklȯth 

: a covering spread over a dining table before the places are set