sailcloth

[ seyl-klawth, -kloth ]

noun

1. any of various fabrics, as of cotton, nylon, or Dacron, for boat sails or tents.
2. a lightweight canvas or canvaslike fabric used especially for clothing and curtains.

sailcloth

/ ˈseɪlˌklɒθ /

noun

1. any of various fabrics from which sails are made
2. a lighter cloth used for clothing, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of sailcloth¹

1175–1225; Middle English saylclath; sail, cloth

Example Sentences

Shops and houses were emptied of tobacco, sugar, molasses, sailcloth, and coffee—anything of value.

From Literature

Odom once used a worn piece of sailcloth as a tablecloth, added napkins with frayed edges from Target, and scattered magnolia leaves as decoration.

From Seattle Times

They celebrated in the backyard of the groom’s parents, with 60 guests, and their golden retriever Bailey, in an open-sided sailcloth tent, with champagne toasts and dinner.

From New York Times

She encouraged them to keep up their personal hygiene, exercise, write to friends and draw on a piece of sailcloth.

From Scientific American

They transform their surplus sailcloth into tote bags to bring in extra money.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• tarp
• tarpaulin