tarpaulin
tarpaulin Lexical Profile
tarpaulin Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A heavy, waterproof sheet of material, typically made of canvas or plastic, used as a protective covering.
"The construction workers secured a large tarpaulin over the unfinished roof to protect it from the impending rainstorm."
A sailor's waterproof hat or coat, originally made of tar-coated canvas. (Historical)
"The old mariner stood on the deck wearing his weathered tarpaulin as the sea spray crashed over the bow."
A sailor or seafarer. (Historical)
"The tavern was filled with seasoned tarpaulins sharing tales of their voyages across the Atlantic."
• Rhymes for tarpaulin
Word Origin & Etymology
Mid 17th century: formed from the word 'tar' combined with 'pall' (meaning a heavy cloth covering) and the suffix '-ing', originally referring to canvas made waterproof by being smeared with tar.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.