towel
/'tauəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A piece of absorbent cloth or paper used for drying: A towel is a rectangular piece of fabric or paper designed to absorb moisture, typically used for drying the body, hands, or objects after washing.
Verb:
- To dry or wipe with a towel: The action of using a towel to remove moisture by rubbing or patting.
Examples
Noun:
- After her shower, she wrapped herself in a soft towel.
- Please use a paper towel to clean the spill on the counter.
Verb:
- He toweled his hair vigorously after swimming.
- Make sure to towel the dishes dry before putting them away.
Advanced Usage
"to throw in the towel": To admit defeat; to give up.
- After failing the exam three times, he finally threw in the towel on becoming a doctor.
"to be on the towel": (Sports, informal) To be in a position of having conceded defeat or being ready to concede.
- The boxer looked exhausted and was practically on the towel.
Variants and Related Words
Towel rack/Towel rail (n): A bar or frame for hanging towels.
- Hang your wet towel on the towel rack.
Paper towel (n): A sheet of absorbent paper used as a disposable towel.
- She grabbed a paper towel to wipe her hands.
Towel off (phrasal verb): To dry oneself thoroughly with a towel.
- He toweled off quickly and got dressed.
Synonyms
- Cloth: (for the noun, when referring to a fabric piece for drying).
- Dry: (for the verb, in the general sense of removing moisture).
- Wipe: (for the verb, indicating the action).
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Towel down: To dry something or someone, often an animal or a surface, with a towel.
- After the bath, she toweled down the dog.
Related Idioms
- Throw in the towel: To quit; to surrender.
- The team was losing so badly that their coach almost threw in the towel.
Noun
- a rectangular piece of absorbent cloth (or paper) for drying or wiping
Verb
- wipe with a towel
- towel your hair dry