tarpaulin
/tɑ:'pɔ:lin/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- waterproofed canvas