Meaning & Definition
noun
an act of cleaning or drying by rubbing a surface.
Give the countertop a quick wipe before preparing the food.
a piece of cloth or tissue used for cleaning or wiping.
I always keep some wipes in my bag for quick clean-ups.
verb
to rub a surface with a cloth, one's hand, or another object in order to remove dirt, moisture, or unwanted material.
She used a paper towel to wipe the spilled juice off the table.
to remove something from a surface or a place by rubbing it away.
He wiped the chalkboard clean after the lesson.
to erase data or information from a digital device.
Before selling the laptop, he made sure to wipe all the personal data.
Etymology
Middle English 'wipen', from Old English 'wīpan', meaning to move swiftly.
Common Phrases and Expressions
wipe the slate clean:
To start fresh, to erase past mistakes.
wipe out:
To completely eliminate or destroy.
wipe the floor with someone:
To defeat someone easily or decisively.
wipe away:
To remove something by rubbing, often tears or dust.
Slang Meanings
To fail miserably.
I really wiped on that exam.
To heavily defeat someone in competition.
We wiped them in the first round.