towpath

[ toh-path, -pahth ]

noun

, plural tow·paths [toh, -pa, th, z, -pah, th, z, -paths, -pahths].

1. a path along the bank of a canal or river, for use in towing boats.

towpath

/ ˈtəʊˌpɑːθ /

noun

1. a path beside a canal or river, used by people or animals towing boats Also calledtowing path

Word History and Origins

Origin of towpath¹

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90; tow ¹ + path

Example Sentences

The Towpath Trail, a 20-mile stretch of the path where mules pulled canal barges, runs through Cuyahoga Valley National Park and is ideal for cross-country skiers looking for mild terrain.

From Outside Online

Those interested in American history will flip for Washington Crossing Historic Park and the Old Barracks Museum, while nature lovers should bring their bikes for a ride along the D&R Canal towpath, now a paved multi-use trail along the water’s edge.

From Outside Online

The towpaths that run alongside the canals were once used by horses and teams of men to pull canal boats loaded with coal, foodstuff and raw materials, but were quickly abandoned once railways were built.

From Ozy

Your moderate strength of a mere everyday physical education gives you the sufficient mastery of the towpath.

From Project Gutenberg

The mules took fright, got into a regular mixup, broke the harness, and went up the towpath at a two-forty gait.

From Project Gutenberg

The oats was brought, and the Juke, boldly mountin the jibpoop, throwed them onto the towpath.

From Project Gutenberg

We tried towing, with a line along the towpath, and the boat banged against the bank constantly.

From Project Gutenberg

Tony and I and the coal-cart will await you on this spot, at the corner of the towpath on Sunday evening at nine o'clock.

From Project Gutenberg