Meaning & Definition of word "Tow"

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    Tow

    /toʊ/

    noun:

    • 1. The act of towing; the process of pulling something.
      • Example: The tow of the broken car cost them a lot more than expected.
    • 2. A unit of measurement for a set of goods or cargo that is towed.
      • Example: The tow was too heavy for the small boat to handle safely.

    verb:

    • 1. To pull or drag (a vehicle or a person) behind another vehicle using a rope, chain, or other means.
      • Example: The car broke down, so we had to tow it to the nearest garage.
    • 2. To transport a vehicle using another vehicle.
      • Example: The truck will tow the boat to the marina for us.
    • 3. To draw or pull along a certain path.
      • Example: They used a horse to tow the wagon filled with supplies.

    Etymology

    Middle English 'towe', from Old English 'tāwan', meaning 'to pull, draw'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    tow truck:

    A vehicle equipped to tow disabled cars.

    tow away:

    To remove a vehicle by towing.

    tow line:

    The rope or chain used for towing.

    Related Words

    towing:

    The act of pulling a vehicle or vessel.

    towable:

    Something that can be towed.

    towage:

    The act of towing or the fee charged for towing.

    Slang Meanings of tow

    Meaning: Tow your boat

    Example Sentence: They decided to tow their boat to the lake for the weekend.

    Meaning: Get towed

    Example Sentence: He left his car parked illegally and got towed.