terry

noun ter·ry \ ˈter-ē , ˈte-rē \

Updated on: 16 May 2018

Definition of terry

plural terries

1 : the loop forming the pile in uncut pile fabrics

2 : an absorbent fabric with such loops — called also terry cloth

See terry defined for kids

Recent Examples of terry from the Web

The German has played in 36 of Huddersfield's 37 Premier League games this season - starting in all 36 games - and has been a key reason why the terries were able to secure their Premier league survival.

— SI.com, "Huddersfield Town vs Arsenal Preview: Classic Encounter, Key Battles, Team News & More," 12 May 2018
Always use a clean terry cloth or microfiber cloth to clean stainless steel.

— timothy dahl, Popular Mechanics, "How to Clean Stainless Steel," 13 Mar. 2018
Or, if tonight’s plans require slightly more than a plush, terry robe, pick up a detoxifying sponge and Tom Ford’s energizing body wash and prep for an evening out on the town.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "A Cheater’s Guide to Crafting the Perfect Bath," 27 Jan. 2018
Fetish was all about the Juicy Couture-style terry-cloth zip-up sweatsuits.

— elizabeth wellington, Philly.com, "On 'The Talk,' Eve is out of her comfort zone - but in a good way | Elizabeth Wellington," 6 Feb. 2018
Inside, guests wear a terry cloth robe over their clothes and choose from services like pedicures, manicures, and hair and makeup touch-ups.

— allison bagley, Houston Chronicle, "It's time to get on the party bus," 24 Jan. 2018
And the emerging designer label Babyghost has a sequin lace dress ($120) and a logo terry hoodie with Arabic-style script ($120).

— alison s. cohn, New York Times, "Shop the Collections That Just Walked the Runways at Fashion Week," 13 Sep. 2017
For spring the two teamed up on five Margot Tenenbaum–inspired pieces, including sweatshirts, shorts, and terry cloth dresses all stamped with the charming — and often misidentified — Japanese maple leaf logo.

— priya rao, Town & Country, "Two of a Kind," 14 Feb. 2013
In a personal project for the fashion photographer, Mario has spent years shooting the top of the top tier of models and actresses, clad in a bright white towel or robe, hair tied up in terry cloth, with little makeup to speak of.

— avery matera, Teen Vogue, "Ashley Graham Becomes First Plus-Size Model In Mario Testino's "Towel Series"," 25 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'terry.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of terry

perhaps modification of French tiré, past participle of tirer to draw

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1784

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Terry

biographical name Ter·ry \ ˈter-ē \

Definition of Terry

(Alice) Ellen 1847–1928 English actress

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terry

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