dowel

1 of 2

noun

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

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

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

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

Rhymes for dowel

• bowel
• howel
• howell
• towel
• vowel
• avowal
• disavowal

Kids 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