american cloth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHistorical / Technical
Quick answer
What does “american cloth” mean?
A type of oilcloth or waterproof fabric, originally used for table covers and other protective surfaces.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of oilcloth or waterproof fabric, originally used for table covers and other protective surfaces.
Historically refers to a specific coated fabric, often with a glazed or varnished surface, used for tablecloths, aprons, and covers to protect furniture or surfaces from spills and stains. More broadly, the term can refer to similar oil-treated or plastic-coated protective cloths.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'American cloth' was historically used in British English. In modern American English, the more common terms are 'oilcloth' or 'vinyl tablecloth'. The specific phrase 'American cloth' is very rare in contemporary US usage.
Connotations
In British English, it carries a somewhat old-fashioned, domestic connotation. In American English, if understood, it might sound like an antiquated or very specific trade term.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher historical recognition in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “american cloth” in a Sentence
[Verb] + the American cloth (e.g., spread, wipe, cover with)[Adjective] + American cloth (e.g., old, durable, red)American cloth + [Noun] (e.g., cover, apron, tablecloth)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american cloth” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She carefully wiped the American cloth after breakfast.
- We need to recover the kitchen table with American cloth.
American English
- She cleaned the oilcloth after breakfast.
- We need to cover the kitchen table with vinyl.
adjective
British English
- The American cloth cover was practical but not very elegant.
- He bought an American cloth apron for painting.
American English
- The oilcloth cover was practical but not very elegant.
- He bought a vinyl apron for painting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Historically used in manufacturing or retail catalogs for household goods.
Academic
Might appear in historical texts, material culture studies, or discussions of domestic life.
Everyday
Virtually never used in modern everyday conversation.
Technical
Could be used in very specific contexts of textile history, conservation, or reproduction of period furnishings.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american cloth”
- Using it to refer to any fabric made in America.
- Assuming it is a common or current term.
- Confusing it with 'American flag' or other 'American' items.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. The name likely originated from the product's association with American manufacturing or marketing in the 19th and early 20th centuries, not the geographical origin of the material itself.
Modern equivalents are oilcloth, vinyl tablecloth, or laminated cotton fabric, all of which serve the same waterproof, wipe-clean purpose.
No, it is a largely historical term. You will almost never hear it in contemporary everyday conversation. 'Oilcloth' or 'vinyl' are the standard terms now.
Yes, it can function attributively, as in 'American cloth tablecover' or 'American cloth apron', though this usage is as dated as the noun form.
A type of oilcloth or waterproof fabric, originally used for table covers and other protective surfaces.
American cloth is usually historical / technical in register.
American cloth: in British English it is pronounced /əˈmɛr.ɪ.kən klɒθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈmɛr.ɪ.kən klɔːθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an old American diner with shiny red tables—that smooth, wipe-clean surface is like 'American cloth'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A COVERING (The cloth is a shield against spills and dirt).
Practice
Quiz
'American cloth' is best described as: