First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1wipe
verb \ˈwīp\
: to clean or dry (something) by using a towel, your hand, etc.
: to remove (something) by rubbing
: to move (something) over a surface
wipedwip·ing
Full Definition of WIPE
transitive verb
1
a : to rub with or as if with something soft for cleaning b : to clean or dry by rubbing c : to draw, pass, or move for or as if for rubbing or cleaning <wiped his hand across his brow>
2
a : to remove by or as if by rubbing <wipe the spots off the glass> b : to expunge completely <wipe from memory the gruesome scenes — American Guide Series: Delaware>
3
: to spread by or as if by wiping
intransitive verb
: to make a motion of or as if of wiping something
— wipe one's boots on
: to treat with indignity
— wipe the floor with or wipe the ground with
: to defeat decisively
See wipe defined for English-language learners
See wipe defined for kids
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Origin of WIPE
Middle English wipen, from Old English wīpian; akin to Old High German wīfan to wind around, Latin vibrare to brandish, and probably to Old Norse veipa to be in movement, Sanskrit vepate it trembles
2wipe
noun
: a small, wet cloth that is used for cleaning
: an act of cleaning or drying something by using a towel, your hand, etc.
Full Definition of WIPE
2
a : an act or instance of wiping b : a transition from one scene or picture to another (as in movies or television) made by a line moving across the screen
3
: something (as a towel) used for wiping
See wipe defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WIPE
1550
WIPE[2] Defined for Kids
1wipe
verb \ˈwīp\
wipedwip·ing
Definition of WIPE for Kids
1
: to clean or dry by rubbing <Will you wipe the dishes?>
2
: to remove by or as if by rubbing <Wipe away your tears.>
— wip·er noun
— wipe out
: to destroy completely
2wipe
noun
Definition of WIPE for Kids
: an act of wiping : rub
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