dowel

1 of 2

noun

dow·​el ˈdau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce dowel (audio)
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

dowel

2 of 2

verb

dowelled also doweled; dowelling also doweling

transitive verb

: to fasten by or furnish with dowels

Examples of dowel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Less formal decorating styles, as well as lighter-weight and less valuable tapestries, can take a more casual approach; mounting ideas include attaching curtain rings, draping over rods, and hanging from a dowel or banner hanger or quilt hangers. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025 The chairs feature a scoop-style silhouette and tapered dowel legs, giving them a sleek, minimalist and mid-century modern aesthetic. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 13 June 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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English dowle; akin to Old High German tubili plug, Late Greek typhos wedge

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1713, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dowel was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dowel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dowel. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

dowel

1 of 2 noun
dow·​el ˈdau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce dowel (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on dowel

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