tow-rope

tow-rope — noun

1. a strong rope, cable, or chain that connects one vehicle or boat to another so t

1.nounB1
Definition

a strong rope, cable, or chain that connects one vehicle or boat to another so the first can pull the second along

Example

Gita tied the tow-rope to the front of her car before helping the stranded motorist.

tie + tow-rope + to [vehicle] for towing

The old truck used a strong tow-rope to pull the broken tractor from the mud.

Common collocations
  • a strong / snapped / frayed tow-rope
  • tie / attach / fasten the tow-rope
  • check / inspect the tow-rope
  • the tow-rope snapped / broke / came loose
Synonyms
  • tow line

    a general term for any rope or cable used in towing; less specific than tow-rope about the material

  • tow cable

    specifically a metal cable rather than a rope; often stronger and used for heavier vehicles

  • tow chain

    a chain rather than a rope; used for very heavy loads such as trucks or farm machinery

Word family

  • tow
    verbB1
  • tow
    nounB2
  • tow truck
    nounB1
  • tow bar
    nounB2
  • towline
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Tow-rope, tow line, tow cable, and tow chain all refer to a device used to pull a vehicle or boat, but they differ in material and typical load. A tow-rope is usually made of thick synthetic fibre or natural rope and works for cars, vans, and small boats. Tow line is the most general term — it can refer to any rope or cable used for towing, regardless of material. Tow cable is specifically a metal cable, often used for heavier loads or longer distances because it resists fraying better than rope. Tow chain is the strongest option, made of linked metal links, and is reserved for very heavy vehicles such as trucks, tractors, or construction equipment. For everyday car-to-car towing on a road, a tow-rope is the most common choice, whereas a broken-down lorry on a motorway would typically require a tow chain.

tow linetow cabletow chain

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • the tow-rope snapped
  • a length of tow-rope
  • tie the tow-rope

Prepositions

  • with a tow-rope
  • by tow-rope
  • on the tow-rope

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

The word is a compound of the verb 'tow' (from Old English 'togian', meaning to pull or drag) and the noun 'rope' (from Old English 'rāp', meaning a thick cord made of twisted fibres). The combined form 'tow-rope' has been in use since the 1600s, originally for ropes used to pull boats along canals or rivers, and later extended to road vehicles.