rhizoverbBeta
DictionarytowPulling with a vehicle
verb / noun

tow

TOH/təʊ/

Pulling a vehicle or other object using another vehicle.

The truck tows the disabled car with its front wheels raised.

A compact tow truck securely pulls a disabled car behind it with the front wheels raised on a wheel lift and rear wheels on the ground; physically plausible linkage, no logos or license text.
Etymology
towOld Englishto drag, pull

Togian meant dragging or pulling generally. Tow became especially associated with drawing vessels through water by rope or chain, and that maritime use was later extended to automobiles.

In context

Big Old Boats152:54
a tug called the Charlene Hunt was commissioned to tow the Orvola to the Dominican Republic where she could be scrapped. On January 23rd, 2013, a tow line was attached
8 Mysteries of the Sea - 3 Hour Supercut

More examples

  • They called for a tow after the engine failed.
  • A tug towed the barge into harbor.
  • The boat was taken in tow.

Forms

tow · tows · towed · towing

Similar words

pull
Draw along without specifying a vehicle.
haul
Pull or transport something heavy.