1 A2 neutral
To clean a surface thoroughly by wiping it all over with a damp cloth, sponge, or paper towel.
"Please wipe down the kitchen counter before you start cooking."
separable
wipe down
A2 neutral separable transitive
To clean a surface thoroughly by wiping it all over with a cloth or sponge.
In plain English
To clean something by rubbing a cloth all over it.
What does "wipe down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To clean an animal or person's body by wiping all over.
"The vet wiped the dog down after the muddy walk."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To wipe something in a downward direction, covering the full surface — transparent.
Actually means
To clean something by rubbing a cloth all over it.
Usage tip
Very common in domestic and professional cleaning contexts. The 'down' suggests a thorough, top-to-bottom or complete cleaning motion. Very common in food service, healthcare, and household cleaning.
Words that pair with "wipe down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
counter table surfaces equipment gym equipment fridge
How to conjugate "wipe down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
wipe down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
wipes down
he/she/it
Past simple
wiped down
yesterday
Past participle
wiped down
have + pp
-ing form
wiping down
continuous
Hear "wipe down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "wipe down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.