towel

1 of 3

noun (1)

tow·​el ˈtau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce towel (audio)
Synonyms of towelnext
: an absorbent cloth or paper for wiping or drying

towel

2 of 3

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

toweling

3 of 3

noun (2)

tow·​el·​ing ˈtau̇-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce toweling (audio)
variants or towelling
: a cotton or linen fabric often used for making towels

Examples of towel in a Sentence

Noun (1) 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
One of them had received a quarterback towel from an equipment manager. — Rashad Alexander august 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026 At 3rd Culture, visitors will find cushion covers, traditional Turkish linen towels (peshtemals), and lampshades covered in quirky, geometric patterns. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
This unique garment addresses the niche need for stylish attire between leaving a yacht or pool and fully dressing, blending the comfort of towelling with tailored sophistication. — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Solar power for water heating and towel washing on demand is practiced. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
Noun
Long overlooked, toweling has really grown into a burgeoning contemporary category. — Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 6 May 2026 The capsule collection of men’s beach, resort and swimwear includes shirts, shorts, swim shorts and accessories in Italian linen, silk and toweling. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for towel

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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 (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

circa 1839, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (2)

1583, in the meaning defined above

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

Phrases Containing towel

Rhymes for towel

See All Rhymes for towel

Browse Nearby Words

to weather
towel
towel bar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Towel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/towel. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for towel

Nglish: Translation of towel for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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