drop cloth

noun

: a protective sheet (such as of cloth or plastic) used especially by painters to cover floors and furniture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Witsken puts down the purple and picks up the orange from a drop cloth with 26 cans bunched together. John Tuohy, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Mar. 2023 Once the polyurethane topcoat is dry, place a clean drop cloth on your work surface to avoid marring the finish. Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, 5 Jan. 2023 Spread a tarp or drop cloth in front of the fireplace and tape it down. Bradley Ford, Popular Mechanics, 4 Jan. 2023 The denim brand also released overalls, a T-shirt, jackets, a tote bag, a bucket hat, socks, shoes, and a canvas drop cloth in the color. Diana Budds, Curbed, 1 Feb. 2022 Use one plastic drop cloth to cover the floor in front of your fireplace. Bradley Ford, Popular Mechanics, 15 Dec. 2022 Wedge a drop cloth or some newspapers on the floor underneath, and expect to apply one to two thorough coats. Jennifer Barger, Washington Post, 14 Dec. 2022 Protect your work surface with plastic sheeting or a drop cloth. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Nov. 2022 Wear safety glasses or goggles, a mask, gloves, and long sleeves, and cover the surrounding area with a drop cloth. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'drop cloth.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drop cloth was circa 1928

Dictionary Entries Near drop cloth

Cite this Entry

“Drop cloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drop%20cloth. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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