Tow

/təʊ/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To pull something behind one, such as by using a line, chain, or tongue..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To pull something behind one, such as by using a line, chain, or tongue.
2. (running, cycling, motor racing, etc.) To aid someone behind by shielding them from wind resistance.
3. The act of towing and the condition of being towed.
4. Something, such as a tugboat, that tows.
5. Something, such as a barge, that is towed.
6. A rope or cable used in towing.
7. (motor racing) A speed increase given by driving in front of another car on a straight, which causes a slipstream for the car behind.
8. An untwisted bundle of fibres such as cellulose acetate, flax, hemp or jute.

Example Sentences

Near-synonyms: draw, haul, pull, trail

In its current specification it cannot be driven and must be towed to its work location by a locomotive.

It isn't the car's battery; I think I need a tow.

On Saturday, Vettel was very unhappy with Leclerc's failure to work out a way through the traffic and give him a tow for the second runs in qualifying, as had been agreed.

And the strong shall be as towe, and the maker of it as a sparke, and they shall both burne together, and none shall quench them.

Meanwhile the farmer's wife was at home all alone, and while she was sitting and spinning her tow, she never noticed a Troll who had crept through the window into the next room, and was at the beer barrel drawing off the liquor into his copper kettle.

Synonyms for tow

Antonyms for tow

Related Words

Word Forms

• tows
• towing
• towed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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