Definition of tarpaulin
1 : a piece of material (such as durable plastic) used for protecting exposed objects or areas
2 : sailor
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Origin and Etymology of tarpaulin
probably from 1tar + -palling, -pauling (from pall)
First Known Use: 1605
TARPAULIN Defined for English Language Learners
tarpaulin
playDefinition of tarpaulin for English Language Learners
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: a large piece of waterproof material (such as plastic or canvas) that is used to cover things and keep them dry
TARPAULIN Defined for Kids
tarpaulin
playDefinition of tarpaulin for Students
: a sheet of waterproof canvas
Learn More about tarpaulin
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See words that rhyme with tarpaulin Spanish Central: Translation of tarpaulin Nglish: Translation of tarpaulin for Spanish speakers
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