As a Noun: 1. The act of rubbing the surface of something lightly in order to remove dirt or liquid from it. English = wiping. 2. The drying of plates, knives, forks, and other things with a cloth when they have been washed after a meal. English = wiping up, drying up. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To rub the surface of something lightly in order to remove dirt or liquid from it. English = wipe. 2. To dry plates, knives, forks, and other things with a cloth when they have been washed after a meal. English = wipe up, dry up.