Tarpaulin

Definition

A heavy, waterproof fabric or covering, typically made from canvas or modern synthetic materials, used to protect cargo, equipment, or structures from rain and weather. Tarpaulins are essential in construction, shipping, and outdoor work.

Example Usage

We threw a tarpaulin over the woodpile to keep it dry through the winter.

Origin

From Dutch 'tarpaulin' or possibly a back-formation from 'tar' + 'pall' or 'pauling,' though the etymology is disputed.

Fun Fact

Tarpaulin is sometimes shortened to 'tarp' in informal use, and historically many were literally treated with tar to achieve waterproofing.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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