C1verb1K

Wipe

UK /["/waɪp/","/waɪps/","/waɪpt/","/ˈwaɪpɪŋ/"]/US /["/waɪp/","/waɪps/","/waɪpt/","/ˈwaɪpɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to rub something against a surface, in order to remove dirt or liquid from it; to rub a surface with a cloth, etc. in order to clean it

In simple words: To clean something by rubbing it with a cloth or similar object.

Examples

  • Please wipe the table after you finish eating.
  • He used a cloth to wipe the spilled coffee from the floor.
  • The team managed to wipe the opposing side off the scoreboard.
  • A strong hurricane can wipe entire communities out.
  • She tried to wipe the tears from her eyes during the movie.
  • The teacher warned the students not to wipe their answers too aggressively on the test sheet.
  • After the hard drive was wiped, no data could be recovered.

Usage notes

Used in both spoken and written English. Suitable for everyday contexts, like cleaning or removing marks. Avoid in formal writing unless referring to a specific process (e.g., wiping data).

Grammar pattern

wipe + object

Memory hint

Think of wiping off water on a table - imagine a cloth sweeping away spills.

Collocations

  • completely
  • totally
  • almost
  • from
  • off
  • on
  • wipe something clean
  • threaten to
  • completely
  • totally
  • almost
  • from
  • off
  • on
  • wipe something clean
  • threaten to

Synonyms

  • erase
  • erase

Antonyms

  • dirty
  • soak
  • stain

Common mistakes

  • Using 'wip' instead of 'wipe'.
  • Confusing 'wipe' with 'wipe out'.
  • Using 'wipe' without an object (e.g., saying 'I will wipe' instead of 'I will wipe the table').