dowel

1 of 2

noun

dow·​el ˈdau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce dowel (audio)
1
: a pin fitting into a hole in an abutting piece to prevent motion or slipping
also : a round rod or stick used especially for cutting up into dowels
2
: a piece of wood driven into a wall so that other pieces can be nailed to it

dowel

2 of 2

verb

dowelled also doweled; dowelling also doweling

transitive verb

: to fasten by or furnish with dowels

Examples of dowel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Just stick the dowel through the apple. — Ray Petelin, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026 One set of dowels is worth one point and the other set is worth three. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
If the stem is very weak, use a stick or dowel as a splint to prevent the stem from breaking off. — Tim Johnson, chicagotribune.com, 19 Mar. 2022 Plug the holes with 3⁄8-inch dowel glued into place and trimmed flush [8]. — Ted Kilcommons, Popular Mechanics, 18 July 2020 See All Example Sentences for dowel

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English dowle; akin to Old High German tubili plug, Late Greek typhos wedge

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1713, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dowel was in the 14th century

Rhymes for dowel

See All Rhymes for dowel

Browse Nearby Words

dowdyish
dowel
doweler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dowel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dowel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dowel

1 of 2 noun
dow·​el ˈdau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce dowel (audio)
: a pin or peg used for fastening together two pieces of wood
also : a round rod or stick used especially for cutting up into dowels

dowel

2 of 2 verb
dowelled also doweled; dowelling also doweling
: to fasten by dowels

More from Merriam-Webster on dowel

Nglish: Translation of dowel for Spanish Speakers

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