# towel

/ˈtaʊəɫ/ (US) · /tˈaʊəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/towel
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. drying cloth

noun · CEFR A2

a piece of thick, soft cloth or paper used for drying your body or a surface.

For teachers: an absorbent cloth or paper sheet used for drying or wiping, especially after bathing or washing.

- She grabbed a fresh towel from the cupboard after her shower.
- The spa provides guests with thick, heated towels and cotton robes to ensure maximum comfort after their treatments.

### 3. to hit with a towel

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal

to hit someone with a towel, often by snapping it quickly.

For teachers: to strike someone with a towel, typically as a prank or a form of horseplay. Informal in register.

- The boys were towelling each other in the locker room after practice.
- The coach reprimanded the players for towelling one another in the changing rooms, citing safety concerns.

## Examples

- Please hang your wet towel on the rack.
- She packed a large beach towel and some sunscreen before heading to the coast for the afternoon.
- The hotel provides fresh linen daily, ensuring that every guest has a clean, plush towel waiting for them after their morning bath.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.