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

Matt Pegas neatly arranges stacks of books atop the red tablecloth at the reception table in the front yard of the house party. —John McDermott, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2025

In your suite, enjoy some alone time with an extravagant meal accompanied by champagne, served course by course on a white tablecloth on your private veranda. —AFAR Media, 3 July 2025

The upstairs linen closet is filled with perfectly pressed, neat-as-a-pin tablecloths and cloth napkins, standing at attention, waiting to be used. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 13 June 2025

Here, the sunny yellow tablecloth, echoed in the color of the dahlias and some of the plates, serves as the anchor color, with thoughtful touches of pink, blue, and lavender creating depth. —Catherine Hong, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tablecloth

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

Kids Definition

tablecloth

noun

ta·​ble·​cloth ˈtā-bəl-ˌklȯth 

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