tow

[toʊ]

tow Definition

  • 1to pull a car, boat, etc. behind another vehicle, using a rope or chain
  • 2to take a vehicle that is illegally parked away by attaching it to a truck and driving it to a pound

Using tow: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tow" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The car broke down and had to be towed to the garage.

  • Example

    The illegally parked car was towed away by the police.

  • Example

    He towed his boat to the lake for the weekend.

tow Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tow

Phrases with tow

  • accompanying or following closely behind someone or something

    Example

    She arrived at the party with her children in tow.

  • get/take someone/something in tow

    to take control of someone or something and make them do what you want

    Example

    The new manager quickly got the team in tow and improved their performance.

  • being pulled by another vehicle or vessel

    Example

    The disabled ship was under tow by a tugboat.

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Summary: tow in Brief

The verb 'tow' [toʊ] means to pull a vehicle or object behind another using a rope or chain. It can also refer to taking an illegally parked vehicle away. The phrase 'in tow' means accompanying or following closely behind someone or something, while 'get/take someone/something in tow' means to take control of someone or something and make them do what you want.

How do native speakers use this expression?