noun, plural oil·cloths [oil-klawth z, -kloth z, -klawths, -kloths] /ˈɔɪlˌklɔðz, -ˌklɒðz, -ˌklɔθs, -ˌklɒθs/ for 2.
- a cotton fabric made waterproof by being treated with oil and pigment, for use as tablecloths, shelf coverings, and the like.
- a piece of this fabric.
noun
- waterproof material made by treating one side of a cotton fabric with a drying oil, or a synthetic resin
- another name for linoleum
n.1690s, “cotton or a similar fabric waterproofed with oil,” from oil (n.) + cloth. In reference to an oil-treated canvas used as a cheap floor covering, 1796.