towel
towel
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "towel" is /ˈtaʊəl/.
/ˈtaʊ/
/əl/
Word Form Variations
Noun: towel (singular), towels (plural)
Verb: towel (base form), towels (third person singular present), toweling/towelling (present participle), toweled/towelled (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: towel (used attributively, e.g., "towel rack," "towel warmer")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A piece of absorbent fabric or paper used for drying or wiping.
Synonyms: cloth, rag, wipe, drying cloth, terrycloth (referring to material)
Antonyms: (No direct antonym; perhaps "sponge" or "fan" as contrasting drying methods)
Definition 2: (Figurative, often in "throw in the towel") A symbol of surrender or giving up.
Synonyms: surrender, capitulation, defeat, concession
Antonyms: fight, resistance, persistence, victory
Verb
Definition 1: To dry or wipe (something or oneself) with a towel.
Synonyms: dry, wipe, rub dry, dab, blot
Antonyms: wet, soak, drench, moisten
Definition 2 (informal, often figurative): To surrender or give up; to admit defeat (from the idiom "throw in the towel").
Synonyms: surrender, quit, concede, give in, yield, capitulate
Antonyms: persevere, persist, resist, fight on, continue
Examples of Use
Books:
"He grabbed a fluffy white towel from the rack and wrapped it around his wet hair after his shower." (Fictional example from a contemporary novel)
"The book details the proper technique for folding various types of laundry, including bath towels and hand towels." (From a non-fiction book on home economics or organization)
"Despite the overwhelming odds, the small resistance group refused to throw in the towel, fighting on until the bitter end." (Fictional example, idiomatic use, from a war novel or historical fiction)
Newspapers:
"The Nairobi County Government distributed hundreds of hygiene kits, including soap and towels, to flood victims." (Daily Nation)
"Leading hotel chains in Kenya are adopting eco-friendly practices, including encouraging guests to reuse towels." ("Business Daily Africa)
"After a long season of struggles, the coach finally threw in the towel, resigning from his position." ("The Standard Sports,")
Online Publications:
"The ultimate guide to choosing the best beach towel for your summer vacation." (An article on a lifestyle or travel blog, e.g., Conde Nast Traveler online,)
"How to properly wash and care for your microfibre towels to maintain their absorbency." (An article on a cleaning tips website, e.g., Good Housekeeping online)
"A new fitness trend encourages using only a towel for a full-body workout at home." (An article on a fitness blog, e.g., Bodybuilding.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "The most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have is his towel." (Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 1981 film adaptation)
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must create an entire outfit using only different colored towels." (Instructions on a fashion design reality show, e.g., Project Runway)
Song Lyrics: "Wipe away your tears with my towel, when you're feeling down." (From a pop or R&B song offering comfort)
Video Games: "Your character finds a damp towel in the abandoned locker room; it might be useful." (In-game item description in a survival or puzzle game, e.g., Resident Evil)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we discuss the origin of the phrase 'throw in the towel' and its boxing roots." (A podcast on idioms or sports history, e.g., A Way with Words)
General Public Discourse:
"Can you hand me a clean towel, please?" (A common request in a bathroom or kitchen)
"Don't forget to pack your swimming towel for the beach trip." (A common reminder)
"He was so exhausted after the game, he just slumped over with a towel over his head." (Describing a tired athlete)
"I think it's time to throw in the towel on this project; it's just not working." (Common idiom for giving up)
"My hair is still wet; I need to towel it dry more thoroughly." (A casual statement about personal grooming)
"Did you see the big pile of dirty towels in the laundry basket?" (A common household observation)
10 Quotes Using Towel
"The most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have is his towel." (Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 1981)
"Don't panic and carry a towel." (Parody of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, widely known)
"I believe in a clean house and a clean soul, and sometimes all you need is a fresh towel." (Lesser-known, but common sentiment about cleanliness)
"Never throw in the towel; use it to wipe the sweat off your face, then keep going." (Unknown, widely shared motivational quote)
"I may not be a great artist, but I can paint a wall with a roller, and sometimes all you need is a clean towel to finish the job." (Original quote, reflecting practical effort)
"He threw in the towel." (Common idiom for giving up, often used in sports or competitions)
"Wipe your tears with a towel, then pick yourself up and fight again." (Unknown, widely shared motivational quote)
"My old friend, the towel, has seen me through many a tough workout." (Original quote, referring to a gym towel)
"The ultimate luxury in life is a warm, soft towel after a long bath." (Lesser-known, but common in lifestyle discussions)
"A wet towel on a bare floor makes a great slip and slide for kids." (Unknown, humorous observation)
Etymology
The word "towel" has a clear and straightforward origin, tracing back to Germanic roots.
It comes from the Old French word toaille (which is still similar to modern French serviette, for napkin/towel).
This Old French word, in turn, is believed to have come from a Frankish (an old Germanic language) word, likely something like þwahlja or þwahli. This Frankish word was related to the act of "washing" or "wiping."
So, when "towel" first entered the English language, in the late 13th century (Middle English period), its meaning was already very close to what it is today: "a piece of cloth used for wiping or drying oneself or something." It has consistently referred to this absorbent piece of fabric for over 700 years.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Towel
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "towel":
To throw in the towel: To give up; to admit defeat (originally from boxing, where a corner man would throw a towel into the ring to signal surrender).
To put something on the back burner: To defer or postpone something. (Synonym for "to put on the back towel," which isn't an idiom but shares the concept of setting aside).
To snap out of it: To quickly recover from a mood or state. (Synonym for "to shake off a bad mood like shaking a towel").
To carry a towel: (From The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) To be prepared for anything; to be a seasoned traveler.
To wipe the slate clean: To make a fresh start, forgetting past errors. (Synonymous with "wiping away with a towel")
To hang up one's towel: To retire or cease an activity permanently. (Similar to "hang up one's boots")
A dry towel: Simple comfort; something basic and satisfying after being wet.
To warm the towels: To prepare for comfort or luxury. (Original, inspired by "towel warmer")
To bite the towel: (Lesser-known) To endure pain silently, similar to "biting the bullet."
Towel rack: A bar or frame for hanging towels.
Face towel/Hand towel/Bath towel: Different sizes of towels for specific uses.
Beach towel: A large towel used for sunbathing or drying off at the beach.
To be soaking wet: To be completely saturated with water. (Requires a towel)
To come clean: To confess or admit the truth. (Similar to wiping away secrets with a "towel")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of towel from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
