A1 noun Neutral #2,851 most common

towel

/ˈtaʊəl/

A piece of thick absorbent cloth or paper used for drying your body or a surface. It is a common household item and an essential travel accessory for the beach or bathroom.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need a dry towel after my shower.

I need a dry towel after my shower.

2

The hotel provides complimentary towels for all guests at the poolside.

The hotel provides complimentary towels for all guests at the poolside.

3

Hey, can you grab me a towel? I’m soaking wet!

Hey, can you grab me a towel? I’m soaking wet!

Word Family

Noun
towel
Verb
towel
Adjective
toweling
Related
toweling
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'TOWel' as something you use to 'TOW' (pull) the water off your body.

Quick Quiz

Don't forget to pack a ______ for the beach so you can dry off after swimming.

Correct!

The correct answer is: towel

Examples

1

I need a dry towel after my shower.

everyday

I need a dry towel after my shower.

2

The hotel provides complimentary towels for all guests at the poolside.

formal

The hotel provides complimentary towels for all guests at the poolside.

3

Hey, can you grab me a towel? I’m soaking wet!

informal

Hey, can you grab me a towel? I’m soaking wet!

4

The study measured the absorbency rates of different towel materials.

academic

The study measured the absorbency rates of different towel materials.

5

The gym needs to order a new shipment of branded towels for the spa area.

business

The gym needs to order a new shipment of branded towels for the spa area.

Word Family

Noun
towel
Verb
towel
Adjective
toweling
Related
toweling

Common Collocations

beach towel beach towel
bath towel bath towel
paper towel paper towel
fluffy towel fluffy towel
tea towel tea towel

Common Phrases

throw in the towel

to give up or admit defeat

towel off

to dry oneself with a towel

paper towel

disposable absorbent paper used in the kitchen

Often Confused With

towel vs tower

A tower is a tall building or structure, while a towel is a cloth used for drying.

towel vs bowl

A bowl is a round container for food, whereas a towel is a piece of fabric.

📝

Usage Notes

Use the verb 'to towel' or the phrasal verb 'to towel off' to describe the action of drying someone or something.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often misspell the word as 'towal' or confuse the pronunciation with 'tower', which has a sharp 'r' sound at the end.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'TOWel' as something you use to 'TOW' (pull) the water off your body.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'toaille', which comes from a Germanic root meaning to wash or wipe.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun (plural: towels) can be used as a transitive verb often preceded by adjectives like dry, wet, or clean
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Western hotels, placing your towel on the floor is a signal that you want it to be laundered, while hanging it up means you will reuse it.

Quick Quiz

Don't forget to pack a ______ for the beach so you can dry off after swimming.

Correct!

The correct answer is: towel

More Travel words

train

A1

A train is a connected series of vehicles that move along metal tracks to carry people or goods from one place to another. It usually consists of an engine and several carriages or wagons.

taxi

A1

A car with a driver that you pay to take you exactly where you want to go. It usually has a sign on top and a meter inside to calculate the cost of the trip.

subway

A1

A subway is an underground electric railway system used for transporting passengers in a city. It provides a fast way to travel long distances while avoiding street-level traffic.

bicycle

A1

A vehicle with two wheels that you sit on and move by pushing pedals with your feet. It is a popular form of transportation for short distances and a common way to exercise.

motorcycle

A1

A motorcycle is a vehicle with two wheels that is powered by an engine. It is used for fast travel and usually carries one or two people.

backpack

A1

A bag with shoulder straps that allows you to carry items on your back, leaving your hands free. It is commonly used by students for school or by travelers and hikers to carry their belongings.

map

A1

A map is a visual representation or drawing of an area, such as a city, country, or the entire world. It shows physical features like roads, rivers, and landmarks to help people find locations or navigate from one place to another.

passenger

A1

A passenger is a person who travels in a vehicle, such as a car, bus, train, or airplane, but is not driving it or working on it. They usually pay a fare or have a ticket to travel from one place to another.

hostel

A1

A budget-friendly type of accommodation where guests usually rent a bed in a shared room (dormitory) and share common facilities like a kitchen or lounge. It is popular among students, backpackers, and young travelers looking for an affordable way to stay in a city.

reservation

A1

A reservation is an arrangement you make in advance to keep a seat, a table, or a room for yourself. It ensures that you have a place when you arrive at a hotel, restaurant, or on a train.

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