tow

verb

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\ ˈtō

towed; towing; tows

Definition of tow

(Entry 1 of 4)

transitive verb

: to draw or pull along behind : haul tow a wagon

intransitive verb

: to move in tow trailers that tow behind the family auto— Bob Munger

tow

noun (1)

Definition of tow (Entry 2 of 4)

1a : the act or an instance of towing

b : the fact or state of being towed

2a : something towed (such as a boat or car)

b : a group of barges lashed together and usually pushed

3a : something (such as a tugboat) that tows

b : ski tow

4 : a rope or chain for towing

in tow

1 : accompanying or following usually as an attending or dependent party not easy shopping with kids in tow

2 : under guidance or protection taken in tow by a friendly native

tow

noun (2)

Definition of tow (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : short or broken fiber (as of flax, hemp, or synthetic material) that is used especially for yarn, twine, or stuffing

2a : yarn or cloth made of tow

b : a loose essentially untwisted strand of synthetic fibers

tow

noun (3)

Definition of tow (Entry 4 of 4)

chiefly Scotland and dialects of England

: rope

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About tow

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Synonyms & Antonyms for tow

Synonyms: Verb

drag,
draw,
hale,
haul,
lug,
pull,
tug

Antonyms: Verb

Examples of tow in a Sentence

Verb The car was towed to the nearest garage after the accident. The police towed my car because it was parked illegally.

First Known Use of tow

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (1)

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for tow

Verb

Middle English, from Old English togian; akin to Old English tēon to draw, pull, Old High German ziohan to draw, pull, Latin ducere to draw, lead

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Old English tow- spinning; akin to Old Norse tō tuft of wool for spinning, Old English tawian to prepare for use — more at taw

Noun (3)

Middle English (Scots), probably from Old English toh- (in tohlīne towline); akin to Old English togian to tow

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