A tarpaulin (/tɑːrˈpɔːlɪn/ tar-PAW-lin,[1] also US: /ˈtɑːrpəlɪn/[2]) or tarp is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material, often cloth such as canvas or polyester coated with polyurethane, or made of plastics such as polyethylene. Tarpaulins often have reinforced grommets at the corners and along the sides to form attachment points for rope, allowing them to be tied down or suspended.