noun
dishcloth
DISH-kloth
Dishcloth (noun) means a cloth used for washing dishes. Example: “She wrung out the dishcloth after scrubbing the pan.”
noun
1
A cloth used for washing dishes.
"She wrung out the dishcloth after scrubbing the pan."
"Keep a clean dishcloth by the sink for washing up."
"The dishcloth was so worn it needed replacing."
2
A cloth used for drying dishes.
"He dried the plates with a fresh dishcloth."
"The dishcloth hung on the oven door to dry."
"She keeps a separate dishcloth just for drying glasses."
How to use dishcloth
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dishcloth is the cloth you use at the sink to wash or dry your dishes.
When to use it
It is an everyday, informal household word.
Memory tip
In some households dishcloth means the washing cloth and tea towel means the drying one, so check local usage.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
wring out the dishcloth
a damp dishcloth
hang up the dishcloth
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dishcloth.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wrung out the _____ after scrubbing the pan.
Etymology
Dishcloth is a straightforward compound of dish and cloth, formed in English to name a cloth used with dishes.
Synonyms
View more →
dishrag
tea towel
dishtowel
Frequently asked questions
What is a dishcloth used for?
It is used to wash or dry dishes at the sink.
What's the difference between a dishcloth and a tea towel?
A dishcloth is usually the cloth used for washing, while a tea towel is generally used for drying, though the terms can overlap.
Is dishrag the same as dishcloth?
Yes, dishrag is an informal synonym for the washing-up cloth.
What is the meaning of dishcloth?
"dishcloth" (noun) means a cloth used for washing dishes.
