tow
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to pull a car, boat, or trailer behind another vehicle using a rope or chain.
v.to pull a vehicle or vessel along by means of a rope, chain, or towbar. Transitive; requires a direct object.
Simple“The truck had to tow our car to the garage after the engine broke down.”
In context“The coast guard dispatched a heavy-duty cutter to tow the disabled freighter back to the safety of the harbor before the storm intensified.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice when a car is removed by authorities.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the act of being pulled by another vehicle.
n.the act of towing or the state of being towed, often used in the phrase 'in tow'.
Simple“The broken-down van was taken away on a tow.”
In context“The celebrity arrived at the gala with a massive security detail and several assistants in tow.”
UsageCommonly found in the prepositional phrase 'in tow'.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.rough, coarse fibers from plants like flax or hemp used to make rope or cloth.
n.the coarse and broken fibers of flax, hemp, or jute separated by hackling from the finer strands.
Simple“The old rope was made from rough hemp tow.”
In context“Historically, tow was utilized for caulking the seams of wooden ships to ensure they remained watertight during long voyages.”
UsageUsually uncountable when referring to the material.