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
Incredibly plush towels, cozy gray robes, and, wait for it: heated floors. Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 30 Nov. 2024 These soft, quick-drying rib towels cocoon you in warmth while simultaneously absorbing every drop in the most luxurious way. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
To do it: To support the full pelvis, fold a blanket or towel a few inches thick and as wide as your hips. Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024 Step 3: Air Dry Allow your cashmere item(s) to air dry by placing on a flat mesh drying rack or towel on a hard surface. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near towel

Cite this Entry

“Towel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/towel. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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!