terry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal when referring to fabric; formal in textile/retail contexts.
Quick answer
What does “terry” mean?
A type of fabric, typically cotton, with uncut loops on both sides, used for its absorbent and soft qualities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of fabric, typically cotton, with uncut loops on both sides, used for its absorbent and soft qualities.
1. The fabric itself. 2. Items made from this fabric, especially towels, bathrobes, or nappies/diapers. 3. (Rare, informal) A nickname for someone named Terence or Teresa.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'terry nappy' is standard; in the US, 'terry cloth diaper' or 'terry towel' is more common. The fabric is often called 'terry cloth' in the US, while 'terry' alone is more frequent in UK compound nouns.
Connotations
Connotes practicality, absorbency, and comfort in both varieties. No significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English due to the common phrase 'terry nappy' (vs. US 'cloth diaper').
Grammar
How to Use “terry” in a Sentence
Made of terryTerry [noun] (e.g., towel, robe)[Adjective] terry (e.g., soft, cotton)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “terry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This fabric is not terried properly.
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- She preferred a terry nappy for the baby.
- He changed into his terry dressing gown.
American English
- She bought a terry cloth bathrobe.
- The hotel provided soft terry washcloths.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in retail, textiles, and manufacturing (e.g., 'terry product line', 'terry weave production').
Academic
Used in material science, textile history, and design studies.
Everyday
Common when discussing towels, bathrobes, baby products, and spa items.
Technical
Specific in textile engineering regarding weave type (e.g., 'terry pile height', 'terry loom').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “terry”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “terry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “terry”
- Misspelling as 'tery' or 'tarry'.
- Using 'terry' as a countable noun for a single item (e.g., 'a terry' is wrong; say 'a terry towel').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, essentially. 'Terry' or 'terry cloth' is the common term, especially in American English. 'Towelling' is the preferred British English term for the fabric, but 'terry' is also widely understood and used in compounds like 'terry nappy'.
No, in modern standard English, 'terry' is not used as a verb. The related process in textiles is 'terry weaving'.
Both are piled fabrics, but terry has uncut, looped piles on both sides for maximum absorbency. Velour has a cut pile, giving it a soft, plush, velvety surface, which is less absorbent and used for different purposes like clothing or upholstery.
The origin is uncertain but likely derives from the French verb 'tirer', meaning 'to pull' (referring to the pulled loops of the weave), or possibly from a fabric once known as 'tiretaine'.
A type of fabric, typically cotton, with uncut loops on both sides, used for its absorbent and soft qualities.
Terry is usually neutral to informal when referring to fabric; formal in textile/retail contexts. in register.
Terry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TERRY the TOWEL: Both words start with 'T' and have two syllables. Terry is what a thirsty towel is made of.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABSORBENCY IS THIRST-QUENCHING (e.g., 'The terry soaked up the water like a desert drinking rain').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'terry' LEAST likely to be used?