towel
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for towel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A piece of absorbent cloth used for drying the body or wiping surfaces.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use towel
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French toaille, ultimately from a Frankish word related to "washing."
Full origin of towel →Frequently asked questions
What does “towel” mean?
The word “towel” means a piece of absorbent cloth used for drying the body or wiping surfaces. In plain terms, a cloth for drying yourself or something else, or the act of drying with one.
How do you pronounce “towel”?
“Towel” is pronounced TOW-uhl (/ˈtaʊ̯əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “towel” in a sentence?
Here is “towel” used in a sentence: “She wrapped herself in a towel after the shower.”
What part of speech is “towel”?
Depending on how it is used, “towel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “towel” come from?
The word “towel” comes from Old French. From Old French toaille, ultimately from a Frankish word related to "washing.".
Is “towel” a common word?
“Towel” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “towel” have?
“Towel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of absorbent cloth used for drying the body or wiping surfaces.
What is the difference between a "towel" and a "napkin"?
A towel is an absorbent cloth used for drying the body, hands, or surfaces, while a napkin is a smaller cloth or paper used at meals to wipe the mouth and hands. Napkins belong to dining, whereas towels are for drying after washing or cleaning.
What are the common types of towel?
Common types include the bath towel for drying the body, the hand towel, the beach towel, the tea towel or dish towel for drying dishes, and the paper towel for quick cleaning. Each is named for its typical use.
What is the difference between "towel off" and "towel down"?
Both phrasal verbs mean to dry yourself or someone with a towel, and both are informal. "Towel off" often refers to drying yourself after swimming or exercise, while "towel down" suggests a more thorough rub-down.