Wiping dishes is a common household chore that involves using a damp cloth or sponge to remove food and other debris from dishes. This is usually done after the dishes have been washed with soap and water, and before they are dried with a towel. The term 'wipe dishes' can also refer to the act of wiping down countertops and other surfaces in the kitchen. The crossword solution for this term is 'DRY, ' which refers to the process of drying the dishes after they have been wiped.