terry

noun

ter·​ry ˈter-ē How to pronounce terry (audio)
ˈte-rē
plural terries
1
: the loop forming the pile in uncut pile fabrics
2
: an absorbent fabric with such loops

called also terry cloth

Examples of terry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beyond swimwear, shoppers will also find terry cloth and cotton cover-ups and long sarongs to layer over their suits. Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 5 Mar. 2025 Throw on this one to run errands, venture out to a museum, grab coffee (or a cocktail), and, well, pretty much anything in between. $50 at Quince Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Slippers Crafted from 100 percent Turkish cotton terry, these plush slippers are like a spa robe for your feet. Jane Sung, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Nov. 2024 The collection expands on the aesthetic with a terry cloth polo in a 70s butter-yellow and deep denim combo, tubular raglan sleeves rolling easily into modern fit sensibilities. David Hochman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 The pants are made from 100 percent cotton with a terry cloth interior that feels like your favorite pair of lightweight sweatpants. Melony Forcier, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terry

Word History

Etymology

perhaps modification of French tiré, past participle of tirer to draw

First Known Use

1784, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terry was in 1784

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Cite this Entry

“Terry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terry. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

terry

noun
ter·​ry ˈter-ē How to pronounce terry (audio)
plural terries
: an absorbent fabric with an even surface of uncut loops

called also terry cloth

Biographical Definition

Terry

biographical name

Ter·​ry ˈter-ē How to pronounce Terry (audio)
(Alice) Ellen 1847–1928 English actress

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