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“Toe” or “Tow”

toe / tow are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term.

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Definitions

What each term means

Same sound, different spellings and meanings, shown with a pronunciation guide for each term.

toe t·OW

  • nounone of the digits of the foot.
  • nounthe part of footwear that provides a covering for the toes.
  • nounforepart of a hoof.
  • noun(golf) the part of a clubhead farthest from the shaft.
  • verbwalk so that the toes assume an indicated position or direction.
  • verbdrive obliquely.
  • verbhit (a golf ball) with the toe of the club.
  • verbdrive (a golf ball) with the toe of the club.
  • verbtouch with the toe.

tow t·OW

  • nounthe act of hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope.
  • verbdrag behind.
Usage

Examples in context

Real sentences for each spelling. Hover an example to copy it.

“toe”

  • …Winston Churchill proved reluctant to toe the line.
  • …so than the salchow or toe loop", because of its unstable…
  • …executed with assistance from the toe of the free foot.
  • …Salé falling on the triple toe loop in the short program…
  • …that, although no remains of toe webs have been conserved, it…
  • Toe pads are pouches that encapsulate…
  • The toe box allows the dancer to…
  • …a flip jump as "a toe jump that takes off from…
  • …snout–vent length and have basal toe webbing.
  • …be seen from head to toe.

“tow”

  • …send their remaining boats to tow Pompée out of danger, the…
  • …as well as a rope tow and magic carpet for beginners.
  • …ship's boats to attempt to tow Hannibal off the shoal but…
  • …on to replace primitive rope tow and other adaptations seen at…
  • …– Hot Dog Hills' resident tow truck driver and owner of…
  • 1916 Tow truck
  • …Ward, took the boys in tow.
  • It can tow ships with displacements of up…
  • …by the Cursed soldiers from TOW, in the course of an…
  • A tow truck is a vehicle used…

Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions are drawn from WordNet.

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