terry

“Terry” has a few different lives. Most often, it means terrycloth, the soft, absorbent fabric used for towels, bathrobes, and similar items. It has small loops on the surface, and those loops help it soak up water well. The word is linked to the French verb tirer, “to draw,” which fits the way the loops are drawn out in weaving.

But “Terry” is also a common given name. It is often used as a nickname for Terence or Teresa, though many people use it as a full name too. It was especially popular in the mid-20th century, and it still appears often enough in everyday life and popular culture.

The word “terry” is a good example of how a textile term became an everyday word. Its main meaning refers to a fabric with a surface of uncut loops. Those loops help the cloth hold a lot of water, which is why terrycloth is widely used for towels, bathrobes, washcloths, bathmats, and some beachwear. The word is generally linked to the French verb tirer (“to draw”), referring to the way the loops are drawn out during weaving.

Beyond towels, you will also see “French terry” in clothing. Unlike standard terrycloth, French terry is usually looped on one side and smooth on the other. That makes it comfortable for sweatshirts, joggers, hoodies, and other casual clothes. It feels soft and cozy, but it is usually lighter and less thick than towel fabric.

Outside of textiles, “Terry” also functions as a given name. It may stand on its own, or it may be short for names such as Terence or Teresa. In this sense, the word has nothing to do with fabric; it is simply a personal name. So depending on the context, “terry” may point to something soft and absorbent, a type of knit used in casual clothing, or a person’s name.