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

Examples of tablecloth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Follow it all with a white tablecloth breakfast of omelets and fresh fruit. — Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 There was no white tablecloth, no molecular fusion, no farm-to-table ethos. — Jenny Adams, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026 The lucky ones have shutters or awnings, but others must climb stepladders to hang sheets or tablecloths from windows. — Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 Besides the attire, those who attend can bring their own picnic food, a small table, white chairs, a white tablecloth, and two white napkins. — Richard Guzman, Daily News, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tablecloth

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

Rhymes for tablecloth

See All Rhymes for tablecloth

Browse Nearby Words

table clock
tablecloth
table-cut
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tablecloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tablecloth. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of tablecloth for Spanish Speakers

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