Tow — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈtō/

Meaning & Definition of Tow

Tow (verb)

  1. to draw or pull along behind, haul
  2. to move in tow

Tow (noun)

  1. the act or an instance of towing
  2. the fact or state of being towed
  3. something towed (such as a boat or car)
  4. short or broken fiber (as of flax, hemp, or synthetic material) that is used especially for yarn, twine, or stuffing
  5. yarn or cloth made of tow
  6. a loose essentially untwisted strand of synthetic fibers
  7. rope

Tow (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause to follow by applying steady force on

    "towed the car into the shop for repair"

    similar: drag, draw, hale, haul, lug, pull, tug
    related: attract, heave, jerk, yank, carry, convey, ferry, move, transport
    opposite: drive, propel, push
    near: shove, thrust

Tow (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in drag

    similar: drag, draw, haul, jerk, pluck, pull, tug, wrench, yank, hitch, twitch, grab, snatch
    opposite: push, heave, shove, thrust

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Tow

The most common words with a similar meaning to Tow:

drag, draw, hale, haul, lug, pull, tug, jerk, pluck, wrench, yank, hitch, twitch, grab, snatch

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Tow

Words with the opposite meaning of Tow:

drive, propel, push, heave, shove, thrust

Related Words for Tow

attract, heave, carry, convey, ferry, move, transport

Word Forms of Tow

Inflections: towed, towing, tows

Origin & Etymology of Tow

Middle English towen "to pull, tug, haul," going back to Old English togian, going back to Germanic *togōjan- (whence also Old Frisian togia "to haul away," Old High German zogōn "to obtain," Old Icelandic toga "to draw, pull"), weak-verb derivative from zero-grade of *teuhan- "to draw, pull," a strong verb (whence Old English tēon, past tēah, tugon, past participle togen "to pull, draw, entice, bring up, educate," Old Frisian tiā "to draw, pull, educate," Old Saxon tiohan "to pull, haul, rear," Old High German ziohan "to pull, lead, rear, foster," Old Icelandic toginn "drawn [of a sword]," Gothic tiuhan "to lead, bring"), going back to an Indo-European verbal base *deu̯k-, whence also Welsh dygaf "(I) bring, lead" (verbal noun dwyn), Latin dūcō, dūcere "to lead, conduct, draw, pull (of draught animals)"

First known use: before 12th centuryt

Words & Phrases Containing Tow

tow sack, tow truck, tow-away zone, tow bar, in tow, rope tow

Frequently Asked Questions about Tow

What does "Tow" mean?

"Tow" means to draw or pull along behind, haul. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to draw or pull along behind, haul. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Tow"?

Other words for "Tow" include drag, draw, hale, haul, lug, pull, tug and jerk. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Tow" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Tow"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Tow". Common alternatives include drag, draw, hale, haul, lug, pull, tug, jerk, pluck and wrench.

What is the opposite of "Tow"?

Antonyms of "Tow" include drive, propel, push, heave, shove and thrust.

How do you use "Tow" in a sentence?

Examples of "Tow" in a sentence: "towed the car into the shop for repair".

Is "Tow" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Tow" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Tow"?

"Tow" is pronounced /ˈtō/.

What is the origin of the word "Tow"?

"Tow" comes from Middle English towen "to pull, tug, haul," going back to Old English togian, going back to Germanic *togōjan- (whence also Old Frisian togia "to haul away," Old High German zogōn "to obtain," Old Icelandic toga "to draw, pull"), weak-verb derivative from zero-grade of *teuhan- "to draw, pull," a strong verb (whence Old English tēon, past tēah, tugon, past participle togen "to pull, draw, entice, bring up, educate," Old Frisian tiā "to draw, pull, educate," Old Saxon tiohan "to pull, haul, rear," Old High German ziohan "to pull, lead, rear, foster," Old Icelandic toginn "drawn [of a sword]," Gothic tiuhan "to lead, bring"), going back to an Indo-European verbal base *deu̯k-, whence also Welsh dygaf "(I) bring, lead" (verbal noun dwyn), Latin dūcō, dūcere "to lead, conduct, draw, pull (of draught animals)". First known use: before 12th centuryt.