tablecloth

noun

ta·​ble·​cloth ˈtā-bəl-ˌklȯth How to pronounce tablecloth (audio)
: a covering spread over a dining table before the tableware is set

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Of its more than 24,000 eateries, New York City has over 900 Mexican restaurants ranging from tiny taquerias to fancier white tablecloth places featuring regional fare from every state in Mexico. Margie Goldsmith, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2023 During Bajaria’s thirty-six hours in Mexico City, her meals were more of the white-tablecloth variety. Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 9 Jan. 2023 Casey Kasem, a server at a white-tablecloth restaurant in Harvard Square, dreams of finishing the novel she’s been working on for six years. Jenna Adrian-diaz, Bon Appétit, 3 Dec. 2021 As the name suggests, beware for your tablecloth’s well-being. Michael A. Gardiner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2023 Most of the tablecloth-like plaids were made with acrylic paint on Masonite panels, although some employ both acrylic and graphite and are on paper. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 16 Dec. 2022 Ditch a fussy tablecloth and use black butcher paper instead. Jessica Cherner, House Beautiful, 14 Dec. 2022 Meals will feel infinitely more festive when enjoyed atop a tartan tablecloth! Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, 29 Nov. 2022 Nurses, caregivers and other staff cleared out the chapel and added a long banquet table with a white tablecloth and wine glasses. Katherine Kokal, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tablecloth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tablecloth was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near tablecloth

Cite this Entry

“Tablecloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tablecloth. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Kids Definition

tablecloth

noun
ta·​ble·​cloth ˈtā-bəl-ˌklȯth How to pronounce tablecloth (audio)
: a covering spread over a dining table before the places are set

More from Merriam-Webster on tablecloth

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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