dow·el
ˈdau̇(-ə)l 
1
: a pin fitting into a hole in an abutting piece to prevent motion or slipping
also
: a round rod or stick used especially for cutting up into dowels
2
: a piece of wood driven into a wall so that other pieces can be nailed to it
Examples of dowel in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2025
Once dry, use a 1/8-inch-diameter drill bit to create pilot holes in the center of each dowel.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025
Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024
Tie the other end of the string to a wooden stick or dowel.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for dowel
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Noun
The side rails connect to the headboard and footboard with both bolts and wooden dowels, all of which slid into place with ease.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2025
Once dry, use a 1/8-inch-diameter drill bit to create pilot holes in the center of each dowel.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025
Verb
What is the difference between a French rolling pin and dowel rolling pin?
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024
Tie the other end of the string to a wooden stick or dowel.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2022
See All Example Sentences for dowel
Cite this Entry
“Dowel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dowel. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dowel
1 of 2 noun
dow·el
ˈdau̇(-ə)l
: a pin or peg used for fastening together two pieces of wood
also
: a round rod or stick used especially for cutting up into dowels
dowel
2 of 2 verb
dowelled also doweled; dowelling also doweling
: to fasten by dowels
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