tarpaulin — a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant material, typically canvas or plastic, used as a covering
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant material, typically canvas or plastic, used as a covering
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtɑːrˌpɔːlɪn/
Example Sentences
- The camping trip turned into a comedy show when the tarpaulin flew away like a superhero cape in the wind.
- Construction workers use tarpaulins to protect building materials from weather damage.
- My dad's idea of fixing the leaky roof was throwing a bright orange tarpaulin over it – our house looked like a giant pumpkin!
tarpaulin
NOUN[/ˈtɑːrˌpɔːlɪn/]
a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant material, typically canvas or plastic, used as a covering
Waterproof covering protects camping gear
Under the tarpaulin, safe are the insulin and mandolin!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Tarpaulin originated in the 17th century from nautical terminology, formed as a compound of 'tar' and 'pall' (meaning covering or cloth). It originally referred to tar-coated canvas used aboard ships to protect sails and cargo from water damage.
Breakdown
tar (the dark substance used for waterproofing) + pall (a covering or cloth) + -in (suffix forming the noun), literally meaning 'tar-covered covering.'
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The camping trip turned into a comedy show when the tarpaulin flew away like a superhero cape in the wind.”
“Construction workers use tarpaulins to protect building materials from weather damage.”
“My dad's idea of fixing the leaky roof was throwing a bright orange tarpaulin over it – our house looked like a giant pumpkin!”
“The farmers covered their hay bales with tarpaulins before the storm arrived.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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