wipe

The word “wipe” means to rub something over a surface in order to clean it or remove a substance. In plain terms, to clean or erase something by rubbing or removing it — also the disposable cloth used to do that.

“Wipe” is pronounced wyp (/waɪp/ in IPA).

Here is “wipe” used in a sentence: “She wiped the counter after cooking.”

Depending on how it is used, “wipe” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “wipe” comes from Old English. From Old English wīpian, "to wipe or cleanse," from a Proto-Germanic root related to twisting or winding motion.

“Wipe” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Wipe” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to rub something over a surface in order to clean it or remove a substance.

To clean is to remove dirt by any method, so it names the goal. To wipe is a specific action: rubbing something, usually a cloth, over a surface to clean it or remove a substance. You can wipe a counter without getting it fully clean, and you can clean something by soaking or scrubbing rather than wiping.

Yes. As a noun, a wipe is a small pre-moistened piece of cloth or paper used for cleaning, as in baby wipes or antibacterial wipes. It also names the act of wiping, as in "give the table a quick wipe."