wiper

American  

[wahy-per] / ˈwaɪ pər /

noun

1. a person or thing that wipes.

2. the thing with which something is wiped, as a towel, handkerchief, or squeegee.

3. windshield wiper.

4. Electricity. the portion of a selector or other similar device that makes contact with the terminals of a bank.

5. Machinery. Also a projection or partial cam, as on a rotating shaft, moving to lift or dislodge another part, especially so as to let it drop when released.

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wiper British  

/ ˈwaɪpə /

noun

1. any piece of cloth, such as a handkerchief, towel, etc, used for wiping

2. a cam rotated to ease a part and allow it to fall under its own weight, as used in stamping machines, etc

3. See windscreen wiper

4. electrical engineering a movable conducting arm, esp one in a switching or selecting device, that makes contact with a row or ring of contacts

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Etymology

Origin of wiper

First recorded in 1545–50; wipe + -er ¹

Example Sentences

A car has around 75, in engines, braking systems and even windshield wiper motors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Cook’s story starts on Dec. 19, 2024, in Chinatown, when he returned to his car to find a yellow envelope tucked under his windshield wiper.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

On Wednesday it was reported that an Iranian-linked hacking group, Handala, had hit medical technology firm Stryker with a so-called wiper malware attack.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

Plus, where else would you find rubber chickens, yodeling pickles and windshield wiper blades in one place?

From Seattle Times • Apr. 7, 2023

The Falcon’s got a nice big ticket slapped on the windscreen, under the wiper.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak