Meaning & Definition of word "Tow"

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.