drop cloth

or dropcloth

noun

1. a sheet of cloth, paper, plastic, or the like laid over furniture and floors for protection while a room is being painted or laid over shrubbery while the exterior of a house is being painted.

Word History and Origins

Origin of drop cloth¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Tape any seams if using multiple drop cloths.

From Seattle Times

Surveillance video from the store shows Walshe wearing a black surgical mask and blue surgical gloves and buying mops, tarps, drop cloths and other cleaning supplies, prosecutors say.

From Washington Post

Mr. Walshe was seen on surveillance video on Jan. 2 buying $450 in cleaning supplies — including mops, a bucket, tarps, drop cloths and tape — from a Home Depot, Ms. Beland said.

From New York Times

Wedge a drop cloth or some newspapers on the floor underneath, and expect to apply one to two thorough coats.

From Washington Post

Use a drop cloth to protect furniture and any areas you’re not painting, suggested Sarah Fishburne, Home Depot’s director of trend and design, in an email.

From Washington Post