B2verbtransporttravel
US/toʊ/
UK/təʊ/
to pull a vehicle or boat behind another vehicle, usually because it cannot move by itself
In context
Our car broke down on the highway, and a truck had to tow it to a garage.
Vehicles parked in front of the fire exit will be towed at the owner's expense.
He uses his pickup to tow a small boat to the lake every weekend.
Words that go with tow
verb + noun
- tow a carThey towed the car to the nearest repair shop.
- tow a trailerThis truck can tow a heavy trailer.
verb + adjective
- get towedIf you park here, you will get towed.
- be towedCars left overnight may be towed.
verb + adverb
- tow awayThe police towed away the illegally parked van.
verb + preposition
- tow toThe boat was towed to the harbor.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The car was tow away yesterday.Correct: The car was towed away yesterday.