noun
terry
TEH-ree
noun
1
A looped cotton fabric used for towels and bathrobes because it soaks up water well.
"The hotel bathrobes were made of thick white terry."
"She dried her hair with a terry towel."
2
A reusable cloth nappy folded from absorbent fabric and fastened with a pin.
"Some parents still prefer terry nappies over disposables for environmental reasons."
How to Use Terry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe soft, loopy fabric towels are made from.
Common pairings
terry towel
terry cloth
terry nappy
Word Forms
terries plural, terries plural
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The hotel bathrobes were made of thick white _____.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, but likely from French tiré, "drawn out" — describing how the loops are pulled up from the base weave during manufacture.