Words / B1

TOHP-ahth/ˈtəʊpɑːθ/

A towpath is the path beside a canal or river, originally for horses towing boats. People now walk and cycle there. It is not a tow truck (US recovery vehicle). Along the towpath. Countable as a stretch of path.

Meaning

A path beside a canal, originally for horses pulling boats.

Examples

• “We walked the towpath into town instead of using the main road.”
• “Cyclists should ring a bell on the towpath; it is narrow by the lock.”
• “We followed the towpath as far as the old mill, then cut up to the high street.”

Good to know

a towpath (beside a canal). Contrast: a pavement (beside a road) / a tow truck (vehicle). along the towpath.

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