'wipe' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'wīpian', where 'wīp-' meant 'to move or rub'.

'wīpian' transformed into the Middle English word 'wipen', and eventually became the modern English word 'wipe'.

Initially, it meant 'to move or rub', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to clean or dry by rubbing'.