table-linen

A family sets the table with clean table-linen for dinner.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Household textiles for dining: "table-linen" refers to cloth items used on or around a dining table, such as tablecloths, napkins, placemats, and runners, typically made of washable fabric like cotton or linen. It is a collective or uncountable noun (often used as "table linen" without a hyphen).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She bought new table-linen for the holiday dinner. (New cloth items like a tablecloth and napkins for the dining table.)
  • The restaurant's table-linen was spotless and crisp. (The cloth coverings and napkins were clean and well-pressed.)

Advanced Usage

• "to change the table-linen": to replace used or dirty cloth items on a dining table with fresh ones.

  • After each seating, the staff changes the table-linen. (They put clean tablecloths and napkins on the table.)

• "fine table-linen": high-quality, often embroidered or decorative cloth items for formal dining.

  • The hotel prides itself on its fine table-linen. (They use expensive, elegant cloths and napkins.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tablecloth (n): a cloth used to cover a table, especially during meals.
  • The tablecloth was stained with red wine. (A specific piece of table-linen covering the table top.)
• Napkin (n): a piece of cloth or paper used to wipe the mouth and hands while eating.
  • He folded the napkin neatly after the meal. (A common item of table-linen.)
• Placemat (n): a mat placed under a plate to protect the table.
  • The placemat matched the tablecloth. (Another piece of table-linen.)

Synonyms

• Dining linen: a broader term for cloth items used at mealtimes, including table-linen and sometimes kitchen towels.
• Table napery: a formal or old-fashioned term for tablecloths and napkins (less common).

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms directly using "table-linen," but the phrase "to air the table-linen" (rarely used) can mean to display or prepare decorative cloths for a special occasion.
  • She aired the table-linen for the anniversary party. (She took out and arranged the decorative cloths.)