Towel

Definition

Towel is a noun referring to a piece of absorbent fabric used for drying or wiping, often after washing or bathing. As a verb, it means to dry or wipe with a towel.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtaʊəl/
• Respelling: TOW-uhl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtaʊəl/
• Respelling: TOW-uhl

Etymology

The word "towel" originates from Old English "towāl," borrowed from Old French "toaille" and Latin "togellus," a diminutive of "toga," meaning "cloak or covering." It was first used in Middle English to describe an absorbent cloth.

Derivatives

• Towelette (noun)
• Toweling (noun)
• Hand towel (noun)
• Dish towel (noun)
• Bath towel (noun)

Synonyms

• Cloth
• Napkin
• Wiper

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "towel" is used for objects designed to absorb moisture: "After swimming, he dried off with a beach towel." As a verb, it is used to describe the action of drying with a towel: "She toweled her hair after the shower."

Related Terms

• Bathrobe: A garment used after bathing, often paired with towels.
• Washcloth: A smaller piece of fabric used for washing.
• Absorbent: Describes a material's ability to soak up liquids, a key property of towels.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A piece of absorbent fabric for drying or wiping: Refers to its primary function.
  • Example: "The guest was provided with a clean towel."
• Used metaphorically to indicate surrender or defeat (in idioms): Refers to phrases like "throw in the towel."
  • Example: "After months of trying, he decided to throw in the towel."

Verb

• To dry or wipe with a towel: Refers to the action of using a towel.
  • Example: "He toweled the car dry after washing it."