Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of fabric: Towelling refers to a specific kind of textile material, typically made from cotton or linen, that is absorbent and has a looped or pile surface. It is the fabric used to make towels.
   • The action of drying with a towel: In some contexts, particularly in British English, it can refer to the act of drying or rubbing oneself with a towel.

Usage

• As a noun, "towelling" is an uncountable mass noun when referring to the fabric.
• When referring to the action, it is a gerund (a verb form functioning as a noun).

Examples

• Noun (Fabric):
  • The bathrobe is made from soft, white towelling.
  • We need to buy several meters of towelling to make new beach towels.
• Noun (Action):
  • After his swim, a quick towelling was all he needed to get dry.

Advanced Usage

• "Turkish towelling": A specific type of towelling fabric known for its long, soft loops and high absorbency, traditionally used for bathrobes and towels.
  • The luxury spa provides robes made of genuine Turkish towelling.

Variants and Related Words

• Towel (n/v): The item made from towelling (n); to dry or wipe with a towel (v).
  • Please hang the wet towel on the rack. (noun)
  • She toweled her hair dry. (verb)
• Towelled (adj, chiefly British): Describes something made of or covered with towelling fabric.
  • He wore a towelled dressing gown.

Synonyms

• Terry cloth (n): A synonym for the loop-pile fabric, commonly used in American English.
  • Terry cloth is perfect for bath towels because it's so absorbent.
• Drying off (n phrase): A phrase similar to the action meaning of "towelling".
  • After the shower, a thorough drying off is essential.

Different Meanings

The word primarily denotes a material. The secondary meaning related to the action of using a towel is less common and more typical in British English. The informal meaning of "a beating" (as noted in the reference context) is very rare and considered colloquial or dated.

Phrasal Verbs / Idioms

Note: "Towelling" itself is not typically used in phrasal verbs. The related verb "towel" can be used. - Towel down (phrasal verb): To dry something or someone thoroughly with a towel. - The groom toweled down the horse after the ride. - Throw in the towel (idiom): To admit defeat; to give up. - After hours of negotiation, they finally threw in the towel. (This idiom uses "towel," not "towelling").

Noun

1. any of various fabrics (linen or cotton) used to make towels