What does tarpaulin mean?
A tarpaulin is a large, durable sheet used to cover, shelter, or protect objects from rain, wind, dust, and sunlight. Traditionally, tarpaulins consisted of heavy canvas coated with tar, giving the word its characteristic association with rough, practical weather protection. Modern examples may instead be made from plastic, vinyl, or waterproof synthetic fabric, while the term remains strongly associated with camping, shipping, construction, agriculture, and emergency preparedness. The word can also be used as a verb: to tarpaulin something means to cover it with a waterproof sheet, and historically to coat it with tar. Although it is sometimes used loosely for any protective covering, a tarpaulin is generally somewhat heavier and more weather-resistant than an ordinary cloth or sheet. Its slightly old-fashioned sound gives it a practical, utilitarian character, even though tarpaulins remain common in contemporary outdoor and industrial settings.
A heavy waterproof sheet, traditionally of tar-coated canvas, used as a covering or shelter.
"A tarpaulin flapped noisily in the wind above the tent."
The word can refer both to an individual sheet and, collectively, to tarpaulin material. It is also used for temporary roofs and protective covers.
To cover or protect something with a tarpaulin, or historically to make it waterproof with tar.
"They tarpaulined the stack of boxes before moving it indoors."
The verb is less common than the noun and is chiefly associated with practical or historical descriptions of covering and waterproofing.
Tarpaulins is the standard plural for individual sheets or coverings. Tarpaulin may also function as a mass noun referring to the material itself.
"The crew secured several tarpaulins over the cargo."
The name hints at its original construction: tar for waterproofing and an old word for coarse canvas underneath.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tarpaulin come from?
The word appeared in English in the early 17th century. Its traditional formation combines tar with pallinglin, an obsolete term for coarse canvas or cloth. The second element is connected with older forms referring to canvas or cloth, while tar supplies the waterproofing component reflected in the word's original use.
Related word forms
How tarpaulin is actually used
The word is neutral and widely used, though it can sound more practical or traditional than the general terms sheet or cover. In modern usage, it often includes waterproof plastic or synthetic fabric as well as traditional tar-coated canvas.
Easily confused with tarpaulin
Tarpolin is a variant spelling of tarpaulin rather than a distinct word with a different meaning.