towel

1 of 2

noun

tow·​el ˈtau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce towel (audio)
: 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
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
Its spacious interior can hold a towel, book, sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses, and other beach (or pool) day essentials. Emily Weaver, People.com, 28 June 2025 Its eight spacious pockets organize towels, sunscreen and water bottles. Jené Luciani Sena 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, 28 June 2025
Verb
In a life-imitates-art twist, the label went on to collaborate with the franchise, launching an ongoing 007 Collection with swim shorts and apparel like toweling polos and Capri collar silk shirts inspired by the films. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 16 May 2025 Gary offered Noah his paddle eraser then toweled off the top of his bare head. Kelly Schwartz, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for towel

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of towel was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Towel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/towel. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

towel

1 of 2 noun
tow·​el ˈtau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce towel (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce towel (audio)
1
: an absorbent cloth or paper for wiping or drying
2
British : sanitary napkin

More from Merriam-Webster on towel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!