noun
Common
terry
TEH-ree
Terry (noun) means a looped cotton fabric used for towels and bathrobes because it soaks up water well. Example: “Beach towels made of terry dry quickly and feel soft against the skin.”
noun
1
A looped cotton fabric used for towels and bathrobes because it soaks up water well.
"Beach towels made of terry dry quickly and feel soft against the skin."
"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.
"My grandmother showed me how to fold a terry and fasten it with a pin."
"She washed a pile of terries every evening and hung them on the line."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- terries
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Beach towels made of _____ dry quickly and feel soft against the skin.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, but likely from French tiré, "drawn out" — describing how the loops are pulled up from the base weave during manufacture.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for terry
See all rhymes for 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.
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