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

Her ideal finds feature mortise-and-tenon joinery secured with wood dowels, a traditional construction method that can make a piece more durable and easier to repair. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 19 Aug. 2026

This project typically involves removing the lid handles and connecting two lids with a central support made from materials such as wooden beads, dowels, or other sturdy pieces. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026

Verb

Install pegboards for hanging tools and attach shelves or dowel rods to unused wall areas. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025

There, Swart snaps on blue neoprene gloves and uses swabs attached to dowel rods to poke inside four crates for clumps of fresh feces. — Rene Ebersole, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2025

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