towel

1 of 2

noun

tow·​el ˈtau̇(-ə)l 

: an absorbent cloth or paper for wiping or drying

towel

2 of 2

verb

toweled or towelled; toweling or towelling

transitive verb

: to rub or dry (something, such as the body) with a towel

intransitive verb

: to use a towel to dry oneself

toweled down after swimming

Examples of towel in a Sentence

Noun

She dried her hair with a towel.

Here's a towel to wipe up the spill.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Beyond bath towels, use the hooks to hang a potted plant, a mirror, baskets, and other details that enhance your space. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 25 May 2026

Bring along a collar with identification, a favorite towel or blanket and a two-week supply of water and food. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026

Verb

And beginning May 19, the new space will host the Aufguss USA Nationals competition, a sauna ritual in which a master uses a combination of water, ice, and towel techniques to distribute heat. —Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026

What to pack Bring a swimsuit and towel for the water park, sunscreen for long stretches outdoors, a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and comfortable walking shoes. —Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English towaille, from Anglo-French tuaille, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German dwahila towel; akin to Old High German dwahan to wash

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1839, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing towel

• beach towel
• dish towel
• hand towel
• kitchen towel
• paper towel
• roller towel
• tea towel
• throw in the towel
• towel bar
• towel rack
• towel rail
• Turkish towel

Rhymes for towel

• bowel
• dowel
• howel
• howell
• vowel
• avowal
• disavowal

Kids Definition

towel

1 of 2 noun

tow·​el ˈtau̇(-ə)l 

: a cloth or piece of absorbent paper for wiping or drying

towel

2 of 2 verb

toweled or towelled; toweling or towelling

: to rub or dry with a towel : use a towel to dry off

Medical Definition

towel

noun

tow·​el ˈtau̇(-ə)l 

1

: an absorbent cloth or paper for wiping or drying

2

British : sanitary napkin