canovaccio
/ka.noˈvat.t͡ʃo/
The English phrase "dishcloth" is translated into Italian as canovaccio.
The term is used to refer to a cloth used for washing.
Meaning: for washing (noun)
Which one should you use?
While canovaccio is a standard term, you may also encounter strofinaccio, which can mean a dishcloth or a cleaning rag.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of canovaccio is canovacci.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable: /ka.noˈvat.tʃo/.
Did you know?
- In the world of theatre, a canovaccio is not a cloth but a detailed plot outline or script used by actors in the Commedia dell'Arte to improvise their scenes.
- The word canovaccio is derived from canapa, which means 'hemp', referring to the coarse fabric originally used to make these cloths.
- While canovaccio is common, calling a cloth a strofinaccio emphasizes the act of scrubbing, as it comes from the verb strofinare, meaning 'to rub'.
Examples in context
- Dove posso trovare uno strofinaccio?Where can I find a dishcloth?
- Passami il canovaccio, per favore.Pass me the dishcloth, please.
- Il canovaccio è sporco di sugo.The dishcloth is dirty with sauce.
Example conversation
In a kitchen after a meal.
- MartinaFrancesco, dove hai messo il canovaccio?Francesco, where did you put the dishcloth?
- FrancescoÈ sopra il lavandino, Martina.It is on the sink, Martina.
- MartinaGrazie, mi serve per asciugare i piatti.Thanks, I need it to dry the dishes.
- FrancescoPrendi pure quello pulito.Go ahead and take the clean one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry canovaccio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canovaccio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
