Towels: meaning, definitions and examples

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towels

[ˈtaʊəlz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

bathroom

Towels are pieces of cloth used for drying oneself after a bath or shower. They are typically made of absorbent fabric, such as cotton, and come in various sizes and colors. Towels are an essential item in any bathroom.

Synonyms

cloth, linen, rag.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
towels	Use for drying off after a bath or shower, or for absorbing water during cleaning. After my shower, I used a towel to dry myself off. I always keep a towel in the kitchen for wiping up spills.
cloth	Used generally for pieces of fabric, particularly for cleaning, covering surfaces, or as an article of clothing. I used a cloth to wipe the dust off the table. He wrapped the bread in a cloth to keep it fresh.
linen	Refers to fine quality fabric, often used for bed sheets, tablecloths, or high-quality clothing. My grandmother gave me a beautiful linen tablecloth. The hotel provided fresh linen on the bed every day.
rag	Usually refers to old, worn-out pieces of cloth used for cleaning, with a negative connotation. She used an old rag to clean the grease off her hands. The mechanic wiped his oily hands on a rag.

Examples of usage

I need to grab a towel before I take a shower.
She wrapped herself in a fluffy towel after her bath.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

kitchen

In the kitchen, towels are often used for drying dishes or wiping surfaces. Kitchen towels are usually smaller than bathroom towels and may be made of different materials, such as microfiber or linen.

Synonyms

dishcloth, tea towel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dishcloth	A dishcloth is specifically used for washing or drying dishes and kitchen utensils. It is often smaller and more abrasive than towels, making it suited for cleaning. She used a dishcloth to scrub the stubborn stains off the pot. The dishcloth was damp from washing all the dinner plates.
tea towel	A tea towel is typically used for drying dishes and cutlery, or covering baked goods to keep them warm. It is often made of linen or cotton and sometimes features decorative patterns. He used a tea towel to dry the wine glasses. The freshly baked bread was kept warm under a tea towel.

Word

Description / Examples

dishcloth

A dishcloth is specifically used for washing or drying dishes and kitchen utensils. It is often smaller and more abrasive than towels, making it suited for cleaning.

She used a dishcloth to scrub the stubborn stains off the pot.
The dishcloth was damp from washing all the dinner plates.

tea towel

A tea towel is typically used for drying dishes and cutlery, or covering baked goods to keep them warm. It is often made of linen or cotton and sometimes features decorative patterns.

He used a tea towel to dry the wine glasses.
The freshly baked bread was kept warm under a tea towel.

Examples of usage

She reached for a kitchen towel to dry the dishes.
He used a kitchen towel to wipe down the countertops.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The use of towels can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where linen was used for drying off.
In the 19th century, towels became popular in Europe, especially bath towels as bathing habits evolved.
Towels were once a luxury item, often handmade and intricately embroidered, making them valuable personal possessions.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, giving a towel as a gift symbolizes hospitality and care.
Certain countries have unique towel folding styles, which can be an art form seen in hotels and spas.
Wearing a towel as a wrap or turban is common in various cultures as a form of traditional clothing.

Science

The absorbent material of towels is typically cotton, which has natural fibers that soak up moisture.
Towels can be tested for absorbency by measuring how much water they can hold once saturated.
Science shows that using towels regularly helps maintain skin health by preventing the buildup of bacteria after washing.

Literature

Towels are often depicted in stories as symbols of comfort and home, representing self-care.
In humor literature, towels play a role in comedic situations, such as characters using them in unexpected ways.
Famous works like 'The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy' humorously emphasize the towel as an essential travel item.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'Don't forget your towel' became iconic from 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' as a motto for preparedness.
In sitcoms, towels are often used as a prop to create humorous situations around everyday life.
Towel design has become a part of fashion, with unique prints and collaborations making them trendy items.

Translations

Translations of the word "towels" in other languages:

🇵🇹 toalhas

🇮🇳 तौलिये

🇩🇪 Handtücher

🇮🇩 handuk

🇺🇦 рушники

🇵🇱 ręczniki

🇯🇵 タオル

🇫🇷 serviettes

🇪🇸 toallas

🇹🇷 havlular

🇰🇷 수건

🇸🇦 مناشف

🇨🇿 ručníky

🇸🇰 uteráky

🇨🇳 毛巾

🇸🇮 brisače

🇮🇸 handklæði

🇰🇿 сүлгілер

🇬🇪 პირსახოცები

🇦🇿 dəsmallar

🇲🇽 toallas

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,583, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12580 narration
12581 magnified
12582 cynical
12583 towels
12584 patriot
12585 inhibiting
12586 silvery
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