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.
Trademark documents indicated the name would apply to online and retail stores with lifestyle products including jams, jellies, tablecloths and tableware. Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025 Oren recreated a series of antique books and flowers on a tablecloth — entirely in wax — lit up by LED lights. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 31 Jan. 2025 Taylah quickly notices, though, how squirrelly Mallinder starts to act the night that Ed scribbled math all over his and Andrea’s tablecloth. Rebecca Iannucci, TVLine, 22 Jan. 2025 Start with a tablecloth or runner (or both to implement more layers), then add place mats, plates, glasses, and cloth napkins. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tablecloth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tablecloth. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!