terry

noun

ter·​ry ˈter-ē How to pronounce terry (audio)
ˈte-rē
plural terries
1
: the loop forming the pile in uncut pile fabrics
2
: an absorbent fabric with such loops

called also terry cloth

Examples of terry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Heavy cotton terry cloth bath sheets take longer to dry than thinner and smaller towels. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Oct. 2024 Dorai Home Bath Stone Mat $90 $63 Amazon Unlike some terry cloth and tufted design, this quick-dry stone bath mat is easy to clean and won't attract odors. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2024 Choosing the material for your bath towel also means picking a weave, which determines the texture of the towel, like terry cloth or waffle. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 23 Sep. 2024 Leslie Terry Slippers These popular terry cloth slides come in 13 colors and have earned over 17,500 five-star ratings. Esme Benjamin, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for terry 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'terry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

perhaps modification of French tiré, past participle of tirer to draw

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terry was in 1784

Dictionary Entries Near terry

Cite this Entry

“Terry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terry. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

terry

noun
ter·​ry ˈter-ē How to pronounce terry (audio)
plural terries
: an absorbent fabric with an even surface of uncut loops

called also terry cloth

Biographical Definition

Terry

biographical name

Ter·​ry ˈter-ē How to pronounce Terry (audio)
(Alice) Ellen 1847–1928 English actress

More from Merriam-Webster on terry

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