wipe
5 synonyms for wipe, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To rub something over a surface in order to clean it or remove a substance.
Synonyms
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To rub something over a surface in order to clean it or remove a substance.
“Please wipe the board clean before the next lesson begins.”
2. noun
A small pre-moistened piece of cloth or paper used for cleaning.
“I used a wipe to clean the sticky screen.”
How to use wipe
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
wipe down
wipe out
baby wipes
wipe the slate clean
Etymology
From Old English wīpian, "to wipe or cleanse," from a Proto-Germanic root related to twisting or winding motion.
Full origin of wipe →Frequently asked questions
What does “wipe” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “wipe”?
“Wipe” is pronounced wyp (/waɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “wipe” in a sentence?
Here is “wipe” used in a sentence: “She wiped the counter after cooking.”
What part of speech is “wipe”?
Depending on how it is used, “wipe” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “wipe” come from?
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.
Is “wipe” a common word?
“Wipe” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “wipe” have?
“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.
What is the difference between wipe and clean?
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.
Is wipe a noun as well as a verb?
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."
