Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material, typically cloth such as canvas or polyester coated with plastic, used as a protective covering: A "tarpaulin" is a heavy-duty sheet designed to protect objects or areas from rain, sun, wind, or dirt. It is often secured with ropes, bungee cords, or weights.
   • (Historical, Nautical) A sailor's tarred or oilskin hat or coat; also, a sailor (archaic usage): In historical maritime contexts, "tarpaulin" could refer to waterproof clothing made from such material or, by extension, to a sailor who wore it.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We covered the woodpile with a blue tarpaulin before the storm.
  • The construction site used a heavy-duty tarpaulin to shield the equipment from the elements.
  • (Historical) The old tarpaulin weathered many a gale at sea.

Advanced Usage

• "Under tarpaulin": Covered or protected by a tarpaulin.
  • The classic car sat under tarpaulin in the garage for decades.
• As a modifier in compound nouns (listed separately below): The word "tarpaulin" often forms part of compound terms describing specific types, like "polyethylene tarpaulin."

Variants and Related Words

• Tarp (n): A common, informal shortening of "tarpaulin."
  • Can you hand me that tarp?
• Tarpaulin cloth (n): Refers to the material itself.
• Waterproof sheet (n): A descriptive synonym.

Synonyms

• Canvas (when referring to the heavy, waterproofed fabric).
• Covering.
• Sheet.
• Awning (for a rooflike covering, though typically more permanent).

Related Phrases

• To spread a tarpaulin: To lay out and unfold a tarpaulin.
  • They spread a tarpaulin on the ground for the picnic.
• To secure a tarpaulin: To fasten a tarpaulin in place.
  • Make sure to secure the tarpaulin tightly so it doesn't blow away.

Related Idioms

• (None directly and exclusively using the single word "tarpaulin"): Common idioms are not typically formed with this specific noun. Its usage is mostly literal.

Noun

1. waterproofed canvas