tarpaulin
pronunciation
How to pronounce tarpaulin in British English:
UK [tɑ:ˈpɔ:lɪn]
How to pronounce tarpaulin in American English:
US [tɑrˈpɔlɪn]
-
- Noun:
- waterproofed canvas
Word Origin
- tarpaulin (n.)
- c. 1600, evidently a hybrid from tar (n.1) + palling, from pall "heavy cloth covering" (see pall (n.)); probably so called because the canvas sometimes is coated in tar to make it waterproof. Originally tarpawlin, tarpawling, etc., the spelling settled down early 18c.
Example
- 1. Mineral sands , such as zircon , sit under a tarpaulin .
- 2. At the foot of the slope there are cinder block houses , but as you climb the ridge , concrete gives way to wood and tarpaulin , then cardboard and twigs .
- 3. Hidden : this desert plantation looks innocent enough but underneath the black tarpaulin was the largest marijuana farm in mexico 's history
- 4. If you know you will be out for sometime , take a tarpaulin , tent , or construct natural protection such as a debris hut or lean-to shelter .
- 5. The primary school is a patch of bare earth protected by a tarpaulin strung between trees .