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“Toes” or “Tows”

toes / tows 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.

toes t·OW·z

  • 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.

tows t·OW·z

  • 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.

“toes”

  • …excessive pressure on her big toes.
  • …support, dancers would pad their toes for comfort and rely on…
  • …groups largely according to their toes and teeth.
  • …were only stiffened at the toes, making them nearly silent.
  • …encases and supports the dancer's toes.
  • Twinkle Toes (Writer, animated DVD feature)
  • …encases and supports the dancer's toes.
  • …fingers and bells on her toes and a bone in her…
  • …boots with pointe or rounded toes, were increasingly popular.
  • …(on the tips of their toes) for extended periods of time.

“tows”

  • …– The Austro-Hungarian submarine U-5 tows a kite balloon, apparently to…
  • …slopes, a T-bars, four rope tows and a small base lodge.

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

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