A tarp (short for tarpaulin) is a large sheet of strong, waterproof material used to protect things from rain, sun, or dirt. Baseball fields use tarps to cover the infield during rainstorms so the game can resume once the weather clears. Campers spread tarps under their tents to keep moisture from seeping through the floor, or string them up between trees to create shelter from rain.

Tarps come in different sizes and materials. Some are heavy canvas treated with waterproofing, while others are lightweight plastic or vinyl. Construction workers use tarps to cover supplies and equipment left outside overnight. Farmers might throw a tarp over a trailer full of hay to keep it dry. Movers use tarps to protect furniture in truck beds.

The word tarp sounds casual and practical, which fits how people actually use them: they aren't fancy items, but tough, useful tools for everyday problems. When someone says “throw a tarp over it,” they mean to cover something quickly and simply to protect it from the elements. A good tarp can last for years of hard use, making it one of those simple inventions that proves incredibly valuable.