WordGarden.iotow
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈəʊ/
US
- /ˈtoʊ/
Meanings
Verb
to pull a vehicle or boat behind another vehicle using a rope, chain, or bar
Noun
an act or service of pulling a disabled or parked vehicle away
coarse broken fiber from flax, hemp, or similar plants
Beyond the definition
To tow something means to pull it behind you, usually with a vehicle or boat. Think of a tow truck rescuing a stranded car; that truck is towing the car to safety. But you do not always need a machine. You can also tow a small sailboat with a rope, or even pull your little brother on a sled, though he might not enjoy it. The thing being pulled is towed. The main idea is moving something by pulling it along behind.
The word tow describes the act of pulling or dragging something behind, usually with a vehicle or boat. It is not just a quick pull; it usually suggests moving something over some distance. For example: "The tugboat towed the massive oil tanker into port," or "A tow truck arrived to haul away the wrecked car."
As a verb, tow means to exert force in order to move something along. You might tow a trailer with your pickup truck, or tow a water skier behind a speedboat.
The word can also be used as a noun, referring to the act or service of pulling. "The boat needed a tow after running out of gas." The object being pulled is said to be towed.
Historically, tow also referred to a strong fiber made from flax or hemp, used for making rope and canvas—but this meaning is less common today.
So whether it's rescuing a broken-down vehicle, navigating a large ship, or enjoying watersports, tow always involves the application of force to move something else along behind you.
Examples
- 1
Roadside breakdown
Our car broke down on the highway, so we had it towed to the nearest garage.
- 2
Parking rules
If you leave your car here overnight, it may be towed away.
- Phrasetowed away
removed by an official service
- 3
Vehicle capacity
This small SUV can tow a trailer, but not a large boat.
- 4
Roadside assistance
A tow truck finally arrived after we had been waiting for an hour.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
People accompanying
She turned up at the interview with her two children in tow.
- Phrasewith someone in tow
with them coming along with you
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- townounverb
Forms
- towedpast tenseverbnoun
- towing-ing formverbnoun
- towspluralnounverb