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

The white linen tablecloths remain one of Hug’s few insistencies. — Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Which suits the performatively jaded teens, who chain-smoke at restaurants with white tablecloths and traverse the city without curfew or constraint. — Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2026

Guests bring their own decor, food, non-alcoholic beverages, white tablecloths, dishware, cutlery, and a folding table and chairs—though these can be rented. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Designed by Wolsey and local artist Emily Nichols, the mats and tablecloths are in a chic watercolor pattern and a preppy bee design. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 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