wipe

verb \ ˈwīp \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of wipe

wiped; wiping

transitive verb

1 a : to rub with or as if with something soft for cleaning

b : to clean or dry by rubbing

c : to draw, pass, or move for or as if for rubbing or cleaning

wiped his hand across his brow

2 a : to remove by or as if by rubbing

wipe the spots off the glass

b : to expunge completely

wipe from memory the gruesome scenes
—Amer. Guide Series: Del.

3 : to spread by or as if by wiping

intransitive verb

: to make a motion of or as if of wiping something

— wipe one's boots on

: to treat with indignity

— wipe the floor with or wipe the ground with

: to defeat decisively

See wipe defined for English-language learners

See wipe defined for kids

Examples of wipe in a Sentence

Would you wipe the dishes?
She wiped her eyes with a tissue.
We were wiping the spots from the wine glasses.
He wiped his hand across his forehead.

Recent Examples of wipe from the Web

The spring game will go a long way towards wiping the slate clean.

— joan niesen, SI.com, "Spring Game Storylines: What to Watch at Saturday's Main Events," 13 Apr. 2018
The flight crew came over with paper napkins to wipe it off...no disinfecting of any kind which was totally unacceptable.

— dawn gilbertson, azcentral, "Southwest Airlines named best U.S. carrier, but not every passenger feels the LUV," 10 Apr. 2018
During the ceremony, Francis knelt down and one by one, poured water over the feet of the 12 inmates, wiped them dry and kissed them.

— roman catholic, Fox News, "Pope Francis in Easter Vigil baptizes 8, including beggar turned hero," 1 Apr. 2018
But even the suggestion of a possible pardon, to wipe their slate clean could essentially neuter Mueller's ability to apply pressure.

— z. byron wolf, CNN, "Why Trump pardoning Manafort or Flynn would look at lot like quid pro quo," 29 Mar. 2018
If your toy vibrates, wipe it down with a warm, damp, soapy washcloth.

— lindsey lanquist, SELF, "How to Clean Your Sex Toys So You Can Use Them Safely," 15 Mar. 2018
Back in December 2017, the group wiped their Twitter account clean.

— david rishty, Billboard, "Swedish House Mafia Fuels Reunion Rumors With New Cover Image," 2 Mar. 2018
Its bosses had hoped to receive that bill in the fourth quarter of last year, wiping the slate clean, even though that would have meant a tenth straight loss.

— The Economist, "In the black, but still blueRBS has turned a profit at last. But it’s too soon to celebrate," 23 Feb. 2018
On Wednesday afternoon, Kanye West returned to Instagram months after wiping his account clean.

— emilia petrarca, The Cut, "Is Kanye West’s Valentine’s Day Card ‘Minimalist’ or Just Lazy?," 14 Feb. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of wipe

Middle English wipen, from Old English wīpian; akin to Old High German wīfan to wind around, Latin vibrare to brandish, and probably to Old Norse veipa to be in movement, Sanskrit vepate it trembles

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

wipe

noun

Definition of wipe

1 a : blow, strike

b : jeer, gibe

2 a : an act or instance of wiping

b : a transition from one scene or picture to another (as in movies or television) made by a line moving across the screen

3 : something (such as a towel) used for wiping

See wipe defined for English-language learners

Examples of wipe in a Sentence

With a wipe, the spill was gone.

Recent Examples of wipe from the Web

From something as little as a pack of wipes to a portable fan that plugs into your phone, scroll through for an array of essentials that are small enough to fit into your carry-on, but guaranteed to make a big difference throughout your weekend.

— isis briones, Teen Vogue, "What to Pack for Coachella If You're Not VIP," 29 Mar. 2018
Household supplies such as paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, disinfectant wipes, and tissues are always good to have in store.

— courtney mcgee, baltimoresun.com, "Spring Drive for Schools to help Towson area, other children in need," 28 Mar. 2018
Stay clean by bringing cleansing wipes or hand sanitizer.

— kaila white, azcentral, "Arizona music festival survival guide: What to bring to Country Thunder," 20 Mar. 2018
For added protection when traveling, my advice is to carry alcohol wipes or a hand gel.

— kashmira gander, Newsweek, "How to Avoid Catching the Flu Virus on a Plane, According to New Study," 20 Mar. 2018
In addition to the items mentioned in the story, products such as dish soap, trash bags, storage bags, cleaners, dental floss, diapers, pull-ups, wipes, shaving cream and tissues also are needed.

— david frese, kansascity, "How Giving the Basics is changing lives with deodorant, soap, toothpaste — not food | The Kansas City Star," 19 Mar. 2018
Put a small wastebasket in the TV room with a plastic liner for all the wet tissues and used wipes, and empty it once or twice a day.

— jura koncius, charlotteobserver, "Afraid of getting sick? Six things you can do at home | Charlotte Observer," 31 Jan. 2018
Pro Tip: Go in with a makeup wipe ($6, amazon.com) to remove excess glitter or shadow that has fallen onto your skin before starting your foundation. 7.

— victoria rodriguez, Seventeen, "Life-Changing Hacks to Apply Flawless Cut Crease Eyeshadow," 5 Mar. 2018
Hotel staff regularly brought her coffee, leftover food and sanitary wipes.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Alone for years, Carolyn Spencer died under the bridge she called home," 3 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of wipe

1550

Other Broadcasting Terms

continuity, dissolve, fade, feed, remote, residual, spike

WIPE Defined for English Language Learners

wipe

verb

Definition of wipe for English Language Learners

: to clean or dry (something) by using a towel, your hand, etc.
: to remove (something) by rubbing
: to move (something) over a surface

wipe

noun

Definition of wipe for English Language Learners

: a small, wet cloth that is used for cleaning
: an act of cleaning or drying something by using a towel, your hand, etc.

WIPE Defined for Kids

wipe

verb \ ˈwīp \

Definition of wipe for Students

wiped; wiping

1 : to clean or dry by rubbing

Will you wipe the dishes?

2 : to remove by or as if by rubbing

Wipe away your tears.

—

wiper

noun

— wipe out

: to destroy completely

wipe

noun

Definition of wipe for Students

: an act of wiping : rub

Learn More about wipe

See words that rhyme with wipe Spanish Central: Translation of wipe Nglish: Translation of wipe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of wipe for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wipe

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wipe

Definition of wipe

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Origin and Etymology of wipe

wipe

Definition of wipe

Examples of wipe in a Sentence

Recent Examples of wipe from the Web

First Known Use of wipe

Other Broadcasting Terms

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WIPE Defined for English Language Learners

wipe

Definition of wipe for English Language Learners

wipe

Definition of wipe for English Language Learners

WIPE Defined for Kids

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Definition of wipe for Students

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Definition of wipe for Students

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