wipe

1 of 2

verb

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 scenesAmer. 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

2 of 2

noun

1
a
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
Phrases
wipe one's boots on
: to treat with indignity
wipe the floor with or wipe the ground with
: to defeat decisively

Examples of wipe in a Sentence

Verb 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. Noun With a wipe, the spill was gone.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Next, pat each egg dry with a paper towel, but be careful not to rub or wipe the egg's surface, as this might smear or remove the dye from the shell. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2024 Between uses, wiping cloths are supposed to be in a sanitizing solution that’s 100 parts per million. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 From a partially complete skull, scientists found that this dinosaur lived right before the dinosaurs were wiped from the planet. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 But for those of us who are starting to come to the end of our time with Tarkov for this wipe the price, for me at least, is too steep to justify purchasing right now. Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The handles are long enough to wear on your shoulder, and the material is easy to wipe clean to keep it looking new. Bridget Degnan, Peoplemag, 24 Feb. 2024 That sobering remark wipes the smile off Egan’s face as quickly as the sight of Clevan put it there. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024 The hospital will provide all the essentials, including a first outfit, blanket, diapers, and wipes. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 23 Feb. 2024 Tearful at the top, she is greeted by her daughter Natalia, who wipes her eyes. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 23 Feb. 2024
Noun
Use a squeegee, followed by wipes with a microfiber cloth to remove any streaks. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Join 2 others in the comments View Comments Never use water, glass cleaner, baby wipes or other wet wipes to clean eclipse glasses — the moisture could cause the cardboard frames to detach from the lenses. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 Other options to consider include hydrating mists, toners, or pre-moistened facial wipes, which can quickly and conveniently refresh the skin without the need for a full wash. Alyssa Hui, Health, 29 Feb. 2024 The Twitch drops coincide with the first wipe for Escape From Tarkov Arena and the launch of the new patch, which will happen on February 28. Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 That’s why a good set of wipes like these from Earth Rated can keep your dog smelling fresh in between baths. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024 Contents include different types and sizes of bandages and sterile dressings, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, tincture of benzoin, ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamines, sting relief wipes, splinter tweezers, blister patches, and more. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024 Many of the parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning a breeze, but the brand also recommends wiping down the bottom of the device with a damp cloth or antibacterial wipe from time to time. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 2024 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, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wipe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of wipe was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near wipe

Cite this Entry

“Wipe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wipe. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

wipe

1 of 2 verb
wiped; wiping
1
: to clean or dry by rubbing
wipe dishes
2
: to remove by or as if by rubbing
wipe away tears
3
: to pass or draw over a surface
wiped my hand across my forehead
wiper noun

wipe

2 of 2 noun
1
: an act or instance of wiping
2
: something used for wiping
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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