wipe-down

IPA/wˈaɪpdˈaʊn/
IPA/wˈaɪpdˈaʊn/

wipe-down — phrasal verb

  • wipe-downbase form
  • wipe-downs3rd person singular
  • wipe-downing-ing form
  • wipe-downedpast simple

1. to go over the whole surface of something with a cloth to remove dirt or moistur

1.phrasal verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to go over the whole surface of something with a cloth to remove dirt or moisture, especially after it has been used

Example

Staff wipe down every table between customers during the lunch rush.

wipe down + table between customers

After chopping onions, Amihan wiped down the kitchen counter with a damp cloth.

wipe down + counter after cooking

Common collocations
  • wipe down the table
  • wipe down the counter
  • wipe down equipment
  • wipe the surface down
Synonyms
  • clean off

    broader and less tied to going over the whole surface with a cloth

  • sanitize

    stronger and more specific when the aim is to kill germs

  • wipe over

    often suggests a lighter or quicker cleaning action

Grammar Patterns

wipe down + table/counter/surface

wipe + object + down

Usage Note

The object is usually a table, counter, chair, machine, or another broad surface. Distinguish it from wipe off, which often removes one mark, and wipe up, which is used for spills or puddles.

Common Mistakes

Please wipe down the milk on the floor.
Please wipe up the milk on the floor.
wipe down is for cleaning the surface itself, not for removing a spill.
She wiped down the stain from her shirt.
She wiped the stain off her shirt.
wipe down usually means cleaning the whole surface, not one small mark.

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

This phrasal verb is formed from wipe and down. In this pattern, down suggests moving a cloth over a surface until it is clean, so the expression came to mean giving a table, counter, or similar surface a full cleaning after use.