terry
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for terry, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A looped cotton fabric used for towels and bathrobes because it soaks up water well.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use terry
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, but likely from French tiré, "drawn out" — describing how the loops are pulled up from the base weave during manufacture.
Full origin of terry →Frequently asked questions
What does “terry” mean?
The word “terry” means a looped cotton fabric used for towels and bathrobes because it soaks up water well. In plain terms, the soft, loopy fabric towels are made from.
How do you pronounce “terry”?
“Terry” is pronounced TEH-ree (/ˈtɛɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “terry” in a sentence?
Here is “terry” used in a sentence: “The hotel bathrobes were made of thick white terry.”
What is another word for “terry”?
Words with a similar meaning to “terry” include terrycloth and terry cloth.
What part of speech is “terry”?
“Terry” is a noun.
Where does the word “terry” come from?
The word “terry” comes from French. Origin uncertain, but likely from French tiré, "drawn out" — describing how the loops are pulled up from the base weave during manufacture.
Is “terry” a common word?
“Terry” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “terry” have?
“Terry” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a looped cotton fabric used for towels and bathrobes because it soaks up water well.
What is the difference between "terry cloth" and "terrycloth"?
There is no difference in meaning; they are just two accepted spellings of the same material. "Terry," "terry cloth," and "terrycloth" all refer to the looped cotton fabric used for towels and bathrobes because it soaks up water well.
Why is terry fabric used for towels?
Terry fabric is made with many small loops of cotton thread, which greatly increase its surface area. This lets it absorb a lot of water quickly, which is why it is chosen for towels, bathrobes, and flannels.
What is a "terry nappy"?
A "terry nappy" (or terry diaper) is a reusable cloth nappy made from a square of absorbent terry fabric that is folded and fastened, traditionally with a pin. It relies on terry's high absorbency and can be washed and used again.
What is the difference between the name "Terry" and the fabric "terry"?
Capitalised, "Terry" is a given name used for people. Lowercase, "terry" is the looped cotton fabric used for towels and nappies. Context and the capital letter usually make clear which one is meant.