Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rope used for towing: A strong line or cable specifically designed and employed to pull or haul another vessel, vehicle, or object.

Usage

• The primary function of a towing rope is to connect a towing vehicle (like a tugboat or a truck) to the object being towed (like a barge or a disabled car). It must be strong enough to withstand the tension and stress of pulling.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The tugboat attached a sturdy towing rope to the stranded ship.
  • Always check the condition of your towing rope before attempting to pull another vehicle.

Advanced Usage

• "Pay out the towing rope": To let out or release more length of the towing rope.
  • The captain ordered the crew to pay out the towing rope to maintain a safe distance.

Variants and Related Words

• Towline (n): A synonym for towing rope.
  • The towline snapped under the immense strain.
• Hawser (n): A thick rope or cable for mooring or towing a ship.
  • They used a massive hawser for the heavy towing operation.

Synonyms

• Tow cable: Often implies a metal cable, but used similarly.
• Dragline: A rope or chain used for dragging.

Related Phrases

• Take in tow: To begin towing something.
  • The salvage vessel took the damaged tanker in tow.
• Under tow: Being pulled by a towing rope.
  • The barge was under tow for three days before reaching port.

Noun

1. (nautical) a rope used in towing