Wipe: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'wipe' when you want to remove dirt, dust, or liquid from a surface usually with a cloth or tissue in a quick motion.

• She wiped the table with a cloth.
• He wiped his hands with a paper towel.

Use 'clean' to describe the act of making something free from dirt, marks, or mess. It is a general term and can involve wiping, scrubbing, mopping, etc.

• She cleaned the kitchen after dinner.
• He cleaned the windows to make them shine.

Use 'rub' to describe moving your hand, a cloth, or another object back and forth on a surface, usually with some pressure, to make it clean or smooth.

• She rubbed the stain with soap and water.
• He rubbed his eyes because he was tired.

Use 'mop' when referring to cleaning a floor with a device that has a long handle and a sponge or cloth head soaked in water.

• She mopped the kitchen floor after spilling juice.
• He mops the floor every evening.

Use 'scrub' when you need to clean something with vigorous rubbing, often with a brush or sponge and soap, to remove tough dirt or stains. This word often implies effort and intensity.

• She scrubbed the bathtub until it was spotless.
• He scrubbed the dishes to remove dried food.

When you want to remove data from a device completely, or to clean a surface.

• He decided to wipe all data from his phone before selling it.
• She wiped the mirror to remove the fog.

When you need to remove data, files, or entries from a digital or written format.

• She accidentally deleted her essay from the computer.
• Please delete your old messages to free up space.

When you want to remove written or printed marks, often using an eraser or similar tool. It can also have a metaphorical use to mean removing memories or traces of something.

• He used an eraser to erase his penciled notes.
• Those unpleasant memories can never be completely erased.

When you want to make something free of obstruction or objects, often in preparation for another activity.

• Please clear the table before setting it for dinner.
• We need to clear the room for the meeting.