noun
tablecloth
noun
1
A piece of cloth spread over a table, especially to protect it or dress it up for a meal.
"She ironed the white tablecloth before the guests arrived."
"Red wine spilled across the tablecloth at the reception."
How to Use Tablecloth
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe cloth you lay over a table, usually for dining.
Common pairings
spread a tablecloth
a lace tablecloth
stain the tablecloth
Word Forms
tablecloths plural
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She ironed the white _____ before the guests arrived.
Etymology
From Middle English forms blending "table" with "cloth," replacing the earlier English phrase "board cloth."