tarpaulin

[ tahr-paw-lin, tahr-puh-lin ]

noun

1. a protective covering of canvas or other material waterproofed with tar, paint, or wax.
2. a hat, especially a sailor's, made of or covered with such material.
3. Rare. a sailor.

tarpaulin

/ tɑːˈpɔːlɪn /

noun

1. a heavy hard-wearing waterproof fabric made of canvas or similar material coated with tar, wax, or paint, for outdoor use as a protective covering against moisture
2. a sheet of this fabric
3. a hat of or covered with this fabric, esp a sailor's hat
4. a rare word for seaman

Word History and Origins

Origin of tarpaulin¹

1595–1605; earlier tarpauling. See tar ¹, pall ¹, -ing ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of tarpaulin¹

C17: probably from tar ¹+ pall ¹+ -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Rasseem’s birds wobbled in their cages under their tarpaulin, unable to muster a sound.

From Literature

British officials put out the word that the huge, strangely shaped objects, kept under wraps beneath tarpaulins, were special water carriers—mobile tanks.

From Literature

The structure has since been secured against the façade of the cabaret and covered up by green tarpaulin for safety.

From BBC

Others are improvised; empty shophouses in the main market, partitioned inside with plywood and plastic tarpaulins to make rooms just big enough for a family to lie down.

From BBC

Encampments, tents, tarpaulins, people in tatters staggering in the street.

From Los Angeles Times