French word

torchon

Pronunciation

IPA/tɔʁʃɔ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine noundish towel

Example

Essuie la vaisselle avec le torchon.

Wipe the dishes with the dish towel.

Illustration for torchon (dish towel)

More examples

N'oublie pas de mettre le torchon à sécher.

Don't forget to put the dishcloth out to dry.

Core concept

A thick kitchen cloth pressed against wet dishes or a spill to absorb it.

Common phrases

  • essuyer avec le torchon

    wipe with the dishcloth

  • plier le torchon

    fold the dishcloth

Similar words

essuie-vaisselle: A cloth or towel for wiping water from dishes.
chiffon: A small, soft cloth for wiping away dirt or moisture.
lavette: A small kitchen cloth for wiping dirt from dishes or counters.

Definition in French

Tissu, souvent assez épais, destiné à essuyer la vaisselle, sécher les mains ou absorber les liquides en cuisine.

Word origin

The noun torchon developed from the French verb torcher, 'to wipe', naming an object used for that action.

Usage tips

  • Torchon can also insult a piece of badly written or made work, as in un torchon, so context determines whether it means cloth or shoddy work.

Other meanings

  • ragnoun

Related words

  • torcherwipeverb

Word lists with this word