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tow¹ Definition

tow ()

transitive verb

  1. to pull by a rope or chain
  2. to pull or drag behind

Etymology: ME towen < OE togian < IE base *deuk-, to pull > duct

noun

  1. a towing or being towed
  2. something towed
  3. towline
tow¹ Idioms

in tow

  1. being towed
  2. in one's company or retinue
  3. under one's control or charge
tow² Definition

tow ()

noun

the coarse and broken fibers of hemp, flax, etc. before spinning

Etymology: ME < OE tow-, for spinning, akin to tawian: see taw

adjective

of or resembling tow
tow Synonyms

tow

v.

haul, pull, drag, ferry, lug, yank, tug; see also draw 1. See syn. study at pull.

tow Usage Examples

Object

  • trailer: Involved was a Ford Ranger motor vehicle which was towing a trailer.
  • barge: These same tugs would also work down the estuary from Sharpness to Avonmouth, towing only the larger dumb barges.
  • caravan: Half the year he tours the country towing the caravan behind his lorry.
  • glider: Air superiority was essential for glider ops; slow moving aircraft towing gliders made easy prey for enemy planes.
  • path: The majority of towing paths are not suitable for the riding of horses.
  • hitch: Ensure the trailer is nicely balanced with a modicum of downforce at the towing hitch.

Subject

  • tug: A few Trows were still working on the river, they also would have been towed by these tugs.
  • tractor: The plane - which was later towed away by tractor - was virtually undamaged.

Adjective modifier

  • ski: Access to the starting points is gained via a system of three chair lifts and seven ski tows.

Modifies a noun

  • hitch: Blarney stone and meant dodge ram tow hitch cover to be being slowly strangled.
  • truck: Top toy wooden tow truck Sites The best of the best sites for toy wooden tow truck on the web.
  • rope: The idea of rubbing posts is to take the tow rope round the bend safely.
  • path: There is access by foot or bicycle along the tow path which starts by the Penny Ferry pub.
  • trailer: A valid driving license would be an advantage and the ability to tow trailers a bonus!
  • bar: Trailer or tow bar weights - check your car's handbook for the maximum weights allowed.

Noun used with modifier

  • canal: The canal tow paths were a dangerous place to be especially for children.
  • rope: There are a few nursery slopes, served by a rope tow.
  • fiber: Figure 1: Fiber tow test specimen ( mm ).

Preposition: by

  • tug: A few Trows were still working on the river, they also would have been towed by these tugs.
  • tractor: The plane - which was later towed away by tractor - was virtually undamaged.
tow Quotes

What argufies pride and ambition? Soon or late death will take us in tow: Each bullet has got its commission, And when our time's come we must go.

—Diaz, Porfirio

Browse dictionary entries near tow

  1. tovarish
  2. tovarich
  3. touzling
  4. touzled
  5. touzle
  6. touter
  7. tout le monde
  8. tout ensemble
  9. tout de suite
  10. tout court
  1. tow truck
  2. towage
  3. toward
  4. towardly
  5. towards
  6. towboat
  7. towel
  8. toweled
  9. towelette
  10. toweling