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 Instead of using a higher-pile material like terry cloth used for a dish towel, a tea towel does not leave lint or streaks behind. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2024 The French terry cloth is so smooth and soft to the touch, while the fleece interior keeps me warm during New York winter — or against the similarly brutal plane air conditioning. Megan Schaltegger, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2024 The leggings are made from a durable and comfortable French terry material. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 29 Jan. 2024 The French terry material is lighter than fleece but still provides warmth without weighing him down. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2023 To make a cozy: Trace and cut out two simple chick shapes from yellow terry cloth. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2024 But, the terry cloth towels cling to the sand, bringing it back in your bag to be dumped on your stateroom floor. Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2024 The terry cloth material absorbs water to keep their hair and arms dry, and the set comes in a wide variety of colors to choose from. Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2024 Like the towels, the robe instantly calms me with its weighty hug, and the external waffle knit texture is nicely contrasted by a soft inner terry cloth lining that wicks away any lingering moisture, if there is any. Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 15 Nov. 2023

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 18 Mar. 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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